Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dearest readers, it has come to this author's attention that a certain Alpha has returned from their travels. Will the most illustrious bachelor grace us with her presence for more than just a dance this season? Only time will tell, but this author knows all. For certainly if she stays The Duke of Arkadia will be the season's most eligible bachelor.

With the head of the Griffin Household returning many rumors will recirculate about her travels. Did Clarke Griffin truly wrestle a lion on the African plains? Did she spend a summer playing chess with Alexandre Deschapelles in France? An affair with a Princess, and my personal favorite. Sunbathing in Greece. This author has it on good authority that one of those stories is true.

Who will be this year's diamond? It is time for us to place our bets for the upcoming social season

Miss Frost's daughter already garnered a few suitors at their famous Yuletide ball. Ontari Frost is certainly not her sister, but will she be able to save her family from another scandal? Certainly we all haven’t forgotten Baron Roan’s prompt courtly exit.

Indra Forrest certainly has her hands full this season. Her son and heir Lincoln of Trigeda has spent a winter healing from his wounds. Will the captain wow us with tales of his bravery captivating young ladies vying for his affection, or will he keep an eye on his younger sister Gaia, who was presented last year.

Then there is Octavia Blake, younger sister of Baron Bellamy Blake. Sole survivors of the fire of Blake manor, and former wards of the Griffins. Young Octavia is quite a spirited rider, and took the ton by force last year racing through the promenade of eligible ladies and suitors. Hopefully the chill of Winter has cooled her blood, or else whoever calls on her will be in for a wild ride.

The quickly wed, and faster widowed Niylah Greene has every intention of marrying her younger sister off during her first season having delayed long enough. Will Costia Greene find the love match she is hoping for? The long time lady in waiting to our future Queen is finally getting her time in the spotlight.

Or will Queen Becca finally present her heir. Our future Queen Alexandria.
Enough of this season. Let us reflect on prior seasons.
Will the new Mrs. Collins return with an heir or maybe even a spare? For certain her dowry has already been spent, covering her husband's rather loose pockets.

Can Niylah Greene catch the eye of another suitor? Rumour is her husband never made it to their wedding bed. But which Lord will be brave enough to find out?

After the death of Lord Roans kitchen maid in childbirth, how many more maids will have to suffer? He may be bound in marriage, but he certainly hasn’t stuck to his bed. Three bastards and counting Lord Roan, but even more women complaining of such a poor performance. All those years on the silk street, and he only learned where to put it.

And lastly has Lady Pemberly spent all winter traversing the Americas with her husband? Or was she just locked in a cottage waiting for his return. The child she bore him does look an awful lot like his footman. Though Lord Pemberly has also enjoyed his company. Perhaps his wife just isn't to his tastes.

Be cautious young readers. For you to may find yourself in my next column.

Lady Whistledown

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Chapter 1 - Clarke Griffin

Her head was pounding. She had spent her first night back at the club, as it had been a late arrival.

There she had been greeted by friends who were just as well family. Cousin Wells, her best friend Bellamy. Monty Green, not to be mistaken with the other Greene family of the Ton. She had gotten well and truly sloshed, and Bellamy helped her into her old apartment which she was shocked to find out her mother had kept.

Her hideaway. The place she stayed in because she couldn't bare to return to her family estate. The place that was currently littered in someone else’s scent, clothes, books, and tools, she noticed as she ventured out of her bedroom.

“Clarke,” her sister shrieked.

Clarkes eyes snapped towards her sister and the angry mating mark on her neck. She moved to approach and a pillow was thrown at her. She caught it and threw it back. Another and another launched at her as her sister scowled.

"Where were you?” Raven eventually cried.

She was seriously wondering where she was. Out of her entire family she was the only one she wrote to frequently. “I was off fighting for my Queen.” She said angrily. It wasn’t exactly something she was proud of, but she was asked to serve her country and she had no grounds to refuse.

Raven smacked a pamphlet. “Or were you off fucking some princess, wrestling with lions, playing chess with grand masters, or tanning naked in Greece?”

Grabbing the page out of Raven's hand she quickly read the article. “Lady Whistledown?”

“That’s truly what you want to ask about? Not this?” Raven said, gesturing to her neck.
She covered her face with her hand and then dragged it down to her chin as she sighed.

“Something came up.”

Her sister shoved her. The tears fell down her face as her scent shifted to one of distress. “I needed you. I needed you Clarke.” Raven balled, and Clarke let her hit her.

“Talk to me Raven?” Clarke begged once her sister was in her arms.

“I’ve ruined your shirt,” Raven said as she rubbed at her ruined make up.

Clarke pulled her back against her chest and pumped out her scent. “I have others,” she spoke softly.

Raven vented against her chest. Finn had been their childhood friend growing up. Between him, Wells, Bellamy, Octavia, and Raven they got up to a lot of trouble during their summer adventures. She had no idea he had put her sister through hell. He would be lucky to make it out alive after their next meeting.

“Mother misses you,” Raven said.

Shit. Her things have likely already arrived. She needed to get to her house. “I need to get to Griffin House. Can you lend me your carriage?” Clarke begged.

Her sister's eyes turned dark onyx. “My husband cannot afford our staff Clarke. I walk everywhere. We are only here this season so that he can gamble and whore. Make no mistake sister, he is not the boy we once knew.”

“Come on,” Clarke said, rummaging through the shirts left about her place that certainly weren't hers, and reeked of Raven.

They fit her alright she supposed. She had filled out a bit these past few months with all the homes she had helped to build. War destroyed. It was devastating and was like an uncontrollable blaze that would eventually die out. The rebuilding after was what she longed for. A respite, until another assignment.

“You have a limp,” she stated bluntly as she flagged down a driver.

Raven didn’t explain her inquiry and Clarke knew better than to push. Raven never liked to cry and she had already seen her sister upset enough.

“I didn't think I still had a flat.”

“I am in charge of the books. I noticed a certain bit of coin going into the apartment still, and remembered I had a key. I have been using it as a refuge ever since.”

“Who’s clothes am I wearing?”

Raven put her finger to her lips. “You can keep your secrets and I can keep mine.”

“You can-“

“I’m already ruined Clarke,” Raven had such a depressed tone that she instantly dropped it and watched her sister look out the window of their carriage.

When the driver got to her house she stepped out first, and then offered her sister her hand.

“Your things have been here for hours Clarke,” her mother said with an impatient tone as she smiled through her clear anger.

“I arrived late. I didn't wish to wake the house.”

Her mother pointed to a sheet that covered a cage. “That is not coming into my house.” Her mother said sternly.

Trying to deflect a little as she bent down to pull the sheet she said lightly. “Last time I checked this was my house, mother.”

“Then maybe you should act like it!!” Her mother shrieked before storming back into the house.

Her siblings crowded around her, as she opened the cage. “Pauna,” she smiled as her ape reached for her and started to tug at her clothing. “Yes, let's get something to eat. I am starved.”

Pauna attracted the attention of her siblings. Madi and Aden were most enthralled by it. Reese and Charlotte on the other hand were frightened of it. As they very well should be. She had seen its parents throw a man like a rag doll and rip him in half.

Clarke laughed over lunch. She had gotten Pauna to sit for a meal at the table after her mother mentioned something about savages. Much to her siblings' delight Pauna sat and ate with them. Even Raven had a smile on her face by the time they sat for the evening meal.

“Where is Artigas?” Clarke asked her mother when she knew Pauna was ready to train with Artigas before settling in for the evening. Her friend needed a routine.

“I sent him off. That thing isn't staying in my house.”

"My house,” Clarke corrected and swirled her wine, as she was taught to do by the Pope of all people.

Her siblings were quick to run to bed. Clarke envied them. Raven sat herself up by the fireplace and pretended to read a book. Bellamy played cards with Octavia as they tried not to interrupt, while her aunt Callie played the piano forte. This was not a conversation she wanted to have, but needed to.

“I am sorry your grace, but I am your mother. I am the leader of this house and its holdings. You are nothing but a child who continues to run. If you are finally ready to take up your position then it is yours to take, and you can do what you will. But don’t for a moment think you can come back here after years, and tell me what is and isn’t allowed in this house.”

She placed her glass down on the table louder than she expected and was saved from commenting. A footman had entered and with him was Artigas. She stepped over to him and clapped him on the back before leading him out of the room and to her quarters.

Clarke didn’t bother to return that evening. She spoke in hushed tones to her young aide, and eventually fell asleep. The following morning like most mornings Pauna woke her up by grooming her. Clarke called for another servant and they brought Artigas to the kitchen, while she set up some of Paunas art books, and puzzles.

Once Artigas was back with food she left to go break her fast with the rest of the family. She playfully took a bite of Modi’s toast when she held it up. Then she ruffled Adens hair before kissing the top of Reese, and Charlotte's heads.

“Good morning,” She said once she had sat down with her plate.

Fanning the napkin out a few times before setting it on her lap gave her a moment to check on her family. All of them looked at her a little shocked. Bellamy came in next followed by Octavia.

“Still here?” Octavia chuckled.

Setting down her cutlery she looked at them all. Even Raven was gathered with her husband. Both of them sat beside her mother at the far end of the table.

“I have no intention of leaving. I have completed my education.” Clarke told her family.

“Your degree arrived two years ago Doctor Griffin,” Her mother growled, and stabbed at her porridge.

“I had important matters to attend to.” Clarke defended herself.

“What could be more important than family. Certainly you have missed them.” Countess Cartwig chimed in sweetly. She had had a crush on her mothers best friend at one point in time. Just a young pup infatuated with Omegas.

Protecting the Queen and country, which in turn protects the family. Though her balls were in a vice Clarke knew when to tug at the leash, and bought herself an entire summer. Which would give her enough time to spend with her family and create new memories to carry with her if she was sent back.

“I have done nothing but protect this family. Who suggested you rotate crops? Who sent doctors to our villages, who has doubled our population and seen our land flourish. I have secured trade deals with India, Africa, and the Americas. Which are currently at war with Canada which owes its ties to us. Our wealth has grown exponentially, as have our lands.”

“I would rather have nothing and have your father back.” Her mother said coldly. “I would rather have you here than gods know where.”

Clarke had enough. She understood her mother. She wanted her father back more than anyone but he tasked her with taking care of the family. Which she had done in her own way.

“Enough!! I am back for the foreseeable future. I am sorry I wasn’t here for you all but I am here now.”

“Where were you?” Bellamy asked, looking her up and down.

She swallowed hard before answering as best as she could. “I was all over. Britain never lacks for wars. I am a Doctor. One of the few people capable of being on either side of an army. The Queen called upon me after completing my degree. Would any of you have refused her?” Clarke growled and then stared them all down.

“The Queen,” her mother fumed.

Not all of her cards were on the table but she had clearly won this round. “I shall review the books, and set aside funds for two events this season. It is about time we host another masquerade, perhaps another ball or an event at Arkadia Hall.”

“Can we attend sister?” Aden asked eagerly.

“If you promise to behave, I believe we can organize something so that you and Madi may attend.” Clarke promised.

“We need new dresses,” Reese gushed.

Her mother cleared her throat to get her attention. “See Marcus about the books.”

Clarkes eyes darted over to Raven, and her sister refused to look at her. Marcus came at his name being called and Clarke took her toast with her to the office.

Marcus Kane had been with her family for years. He was her fathers best friend. They had served together in previous wars, and he had saved her fathers life. He came to work for them when she was a small child, and had played an important role in her weapons training. He was an expert marksman, but not a bookkeeper.

“Your sister Raven has been doing the books,” Marcus whispered to her.

“Will someone tell me what the hell is going on with this family?” Clarke scowled as she pulled out the last ledger she had personally worked on.

Marcus informed her about everything and anything. He was more forthcoming than Raven was the night before. They set up shop in the office. She went as far as having dinner sent up for them.

“Have you completed what I asked for?” Clarke asked him as they took a break to enjoy a bit of brandy and a Figurado cigar.

“Yes. I had the builders follow the sketch you planned out. Doctor Santiago has been a great help.”

“Good. That is all Marcus. I shall continue well into the night. Please find me when breakfast arrives.”

The following morning she was woken up by Raven. She had brought breakfast with her, as well as coffee. Clarke ate and drank greedily as Raven explained the last of the household spending to her. Not that she didn’t trust her sister but her personal wealth was kept separate, and she spent more time reviewing them, than anything else.

Raven dragged her out after they had a private lunch. Her sisters needed dresses. Raven reminded her that she was. So she gathered up her family, and called carriages to take them to the square.

Market square was packed with the best shops. It exuded luxury, and served an elite sort of clientele. They were the best of the best.

“Take Aden to get a new suit, will you Bell?” Clarke requested and handed him some money. When he stepped closer to her, she stepped into his space. “Get yourself something as well. You are family.”

The Blakes seat had been ruined. Most of the people had left their lands, and Bellamy's father had gambled away the family fortune. The blaze had likely been set, by those that Bellamy and Octavia’s father had angered. They were left with little, and Clarke chose to aid them like her father had.

Finn went to leave with him, but she pulled him aside, and pressed him against the wall of the alleyway. “I know about the duel. I know you have no money, and I have it on good authority that you haven’t been faithful to your wife. Step out of line again, and I will see you buried in an unmarked grave.” She said before tossing him.

Inside of the Modeste her sisters were each being fitted for their dresses, while her mother and aunt lavished them with compliments. Madi was off to the side speaking to a pretty lady with sandy blonde hair. She was about to approach them when someone bumped into her.

“It has been such a long time, your grace,” Niylah husked, and then brought her attention to the silk fabric.

Niylah Greene. Childhood sweetheart. Their fathers grew up together and their estates butted against one another. Her uncle was now the new lord, and he didn’t favor her. Likely because of all the pranks they had played on him as children. If Lady Whistledown was true then she was in a bind. Also no longer married. Perhaps a little fun was in order. She hadn’t been with a woman for an age.

“Perhaps I shall call on you," Clarke smiled.

“The new Lord Jordan is never around after lunch,” Niylah smiled back at her, and playfully brushed her arm. “You certainly filled out.”

Clarke looked her up and down. “And so have you,” Clarke husked back.

Niylah looked over her shoulder and Clarke spun around to be engulfed by warm arms wrapped around her torso. Clarke turned to look at Niylah in confusion and her friend mouthed ‘Costia.’ Her eyes widened in shock.

“Lady Greene,” Clarke said, pushing her away a little so that she could look at her. Costia’s beauty had eclipsed her sisters. Clarke inhaled her scent, and noticed that there was something different about it.

“Clarke,” she blushed and then looked down in embarrassment. She courtseyed, and payed her the respect due her station, and Clarke noticed the cut of her dress.

She coughed, and Costia’s eyes darted up. She stepped forward at the same time Madi, and her sister did. Clarke waved them off, and the shopkeeper brought her water. Reese and Charlotte, also looked concerned but were pinned in place. Her mother on the other hand simply looked delighted. Which meant only one thing. Even her aunt Callie whispered words to her under her fan.

“Do you have any champagne?” Clarke asked the shopkeeper.

Who didn’t. Which was a shame. France had been such a fun experience for her. Aurora the owner was quite skilled, and very popular.

“Costia, do you mind helping Madi find a suitable fabric? Surely you know what is most popular in court these days,” she said putting on her best smile.

Of course the young lady jumped at the opportunity. Madi looked positively delighted to be around a young lady who practically lived with the Queen. Her mothers eyes followed her out of the shop, but she ignored her. She found her brothers at the tailors, but she didn’t see anything to her liking. A few fabrics had caught her eye at the shop, and she wanted to branch out her business into London.

After finding champagne she carried the case back to the Modiste. She had nearly been gone an hour and when she returned Madi, and Costia were up on the podium’s getting their measurements taken.

Clarke quickly grabbed ice from the business next door paying 10 times what it was worth, but she wanted to invest in something profitable. She had everything set up, aside from the glasses, so she went back to the shop Next Door and bought 10.

She popped a bottle of champagne, and poured it for her mother first, then her aunt. Next she poured one for Niylah, and then Reese, and Charlotte who clearly hadn’t tried it. In France everyone drank, so she didn't think anything of it, and gave her mother a daring look. “Let us enjoy a fitting as they would in France, shall we,” she said, handing a glass to Costia, then one to Madi.

One bottle turned into two but she drew the line at her sisters, having more than one. Her mother, Callie, and Niylah were certainly enjoying themselves as she spoke with the owner and head dressmaker.

“See how much more fun it can be?”

“I don't see how it will be profitable, when I am already getting by just fine,” the owner argued.

Painting was her favorite hobby. One she could also do with words. So she described how she would invest, laid out a bit of a business plan. Luxury was already a standard, but everyone usually wanted to know what was beyond the next door. She would buy the building, and expand up. Two private fitting rooms where they could enjoy champagne service.

Aurora proposed a trial run, and Clarke then asked if she could make her a suit. She wanted something in white, and blue. She enjoyed the floral pattern white silk. She picked out a blue with lavender flowers that matched the floral silk. She sketched it out for the seamstress, and watched the way she bit her lip.

Was she going into rut soon? Was that why every woman smelled so intoxicating to her? Niylah observed her, and Clarke didn't bother to shoo her away. She was a friend now.

“I think this calls for a more private measurement,” Aurora declared.

She was brought into the back where work was done, and closed the drape. Aurora was very flirtatious, and when she got to her cock, the brazen woman pulled it out.

“I already told you I wanted to invest. This isn’t going to get you any more money.”

“Who says I am doing it for your pleasure,” she teased.

Aurora sucked her cock like a woman with experience could. Clarke held onto the desk, as she was brought closer to pleasure. The older woman traded places with her and jumped on the desk pulling her dress aside. Clarke plunged in, and when the desk made too much noise she lifted her up and held her as she fucked her. Once the woman came Clarke pulled out, and Aurora sucked her cock again until she came into the shop keeper's mouth.

“Thank you. It has been an age since someone fucked me like that.”

“You should probably drink some tea either way.”

“I am much too old to carry a child. My cycles stopped years ago,” she teased.

It brought them to a discussion of age. The woman clearly aged well. A little too well. But she got along with her. Eventually they came out carrying a few different fabrics. Clarke would be getting more than one suit. She had decided to let Aurora have creative control over the rest.

Niylah didn't buy it. She rolled her eyes. “I have work to do, but it would be an honor to have you ladies over for dinner this evening.” Clarke declared.

Her mother looked pleased. Raven was getting fitted with Octavia, and they could easily return on their own. Clarke left the shop with her mother and younger sisters. Her mother opened the window of the carriage they shared. And pulled her into the drawing room as soon as they arrived home.

“Lady Costia is a suitable match Clarke.” Her mother said.

“But not her sister,” Clarke rolled her eyes.

“I know you and Niylah once had dreams of marrying, but you were the one that called it off before it could begin. Niylah is a widow Clarke. If she hadn’t already married, she would have been a great Duchess. One I would happily step aside for.”

“I am sure that either sister would be a suitable match, but I wish to find my mate, mother. She is out there.”

Her mother threw her hands up in the air. “And so you have been saying, but you cannot marry a kitchen maid.”

“Who told you?” Clarke scowled. She had found a scent that called to her like no other, once before.

The scent came from a mere girl, at her friend Anya's family home. A kitchen maid, she was told. She had stayed away for many reasons. The first of which was that she was much too young for her. Which was really the only reason. Anya had somehow figured it out, but Clarke was already gone by them. She cared little for station. If she found her she would take her as her mate. Even if it meant stepping down.

Aden could be the next Duke of Arkadia for all she cared. It was part of the reason why she worked on building her personal accounts. Not that she didn’t further her families, but she had a duty to her mate if she found her again. Which would be hard to do considering Anya’s father dismissed the girl.

Somewhere. She was out there somewhere, and she would prove herself as a worthy mate. Until she found her though she would enjoy the company freely offered to her. She was never a pursuer, but she could be a passionate lover.

Today would likely get her by, until she found someone who could assist her for a day or two during the peak of her rut. Which would likely strike sooner than later. Aurora seemed like a good option, but she needed to further her business ventures. Clarke required her to work on her feet not on her back.

“Raven told me. I know that I was lucky to find my match in your father, but don't think it easy for me to fit into society. You met your grandparents in America, that wealth got me presented, and gave them something to gossip about with their friends. I shall not allow this family to be paraded through this new gossip rag Clarke. You will marry someone of your station, Clarke.”

“But my mate,” Clarke growled. She didn't like her mother telling her what to do. Not one bit.

Lady Abby Griffin poked at the fire, and then pointed it at her. “Many men have affairs, Clarke. Your father had Raven before he married me. Raven may have a more elevated station than most with her circumstances, but perhaps if you find your mate, you may do the same.”

She snarled. She didn’t want to do that to her mate. Gods she loved her. She had only caught a glimpse of her one time. Still it was enough for her to find herself marked by her.

“If you want my respect as the Lord of this household you will find your match by the end of the season. You can have your wife organize your affairs, while you have your own. If today was anything to go by, you certainly know how to be quick about it. Though you lack proper discretion that can be trained.”

That could be trained. Ha. She cared little for the gossip column. She was a rake through and through. And she had certainly gotten in and out of many places unnoticed over the years. Especially in London.

Enough was enough though, and after just allowing her mother to scold her, she promised that she wouldn’t be opposed to stepping up this season. If it would get her mother off of her back, she would lie through her teeth.

After a few days their dresses were ready just in time to be presented before the Queen. Clarke arrived at the shop, sweating from the start of her oncoming rut. Aurora wasn’t the one to help her though. Niylah was there, and found her changing on the upper level which was in the middle of being renovated.

The Omega bobbed her head up and down on her cock. Clarke bursted inside of her mouth, and she went under the woman’s dress. She flicked her tongue through Niylah’s folds. The woman was no virgin. She moaned as she bucked against her fingers.

“I want more, and you certainly need more,” Niylah stated.

Clarke quickly scribbled down the address to her flat. She would leave for it right after her sisters were presented. It was what she had purchased it for. Raven would just have to find another hideaway from her husband for a few days.

She escorted Reese on one arm, and Charlotte on the other as they made their way over to where the gathered crowd had already started to line up. Clarke recognized one of the Queens guards. He often brought her new assignments, the man nodded to her, and then scurried off.

Madi and Aden were already brought in the side entrance with Bellamy, and the Countess Cartwright. Octavia would be presented by her mother. She volunteered but her mother shot that down quickly. If she presented Octavia, it could be seen as presenting a bride to the queen.
And thus ruin Octavia’s chances with eligible bachelors.

The Queen's man approached them, and she followed after him. Her sisters spoke eagerly to one another. A bond that only those that shared a womb could have. Thankfully they were not identical.

“Her Grace Clarke Griffin, Duke of Arkadia, General of the British Royal Army Corp field medic and special forces division. Presenting her sisters Lady Charlotte Griffin, and Lady Reese Griffin.” The announcer shouted, and all eyes were on them.

She would rather face a million meetings arguing with generals she decided as she walked towards the Queen. She noticed the older woman sitting up straighter, at their arrival. Mothers eyed her up, along with their Omega children, and Beta daughters.

Clarke paused in front of the Queen and bowed as her sisters curtseyed. “You must come by the castle for dinner tomorrow night.”

“My family and I are honored to accept such an invitation,” Clarke added. This woman had kept her away from them for years, the least she could do was get to know them. The family she was keeping her from.

The Queen didn't miss it. She blinked a few times, the only true indication that she was the least bit irritated. “Most delightful,” she said. Her sister's smiles could light up a room, and she smiled along with them.

“Thank you your Majesty, we shall call upon you tomorrow evening,” she smiled before stepping aside to let her mother present Octavia.

Abby Griffin fixed her with a scathing stare. The Queen seemed to notice, but when didn't she notice something. Clarke had had to fix many of the things she had noticed, and perhaps it was time that the Queen helped her fix something.

“I look forward to tomorrow's supper,” Her mother said, thanking the Queen.

Her mother was a gossip. Clarke knew her mother secretly enjoyed those columns the Lady Whistledown wrote. Hell she could probably even be the author, though she doubted it after their last conversation with the fire poker. Her mother was truly looking forward to the supper because she would try and pry the Queen for every bit of information she could find.

Niylah caught her eye, and gestured to the door. Clarke noticed her sister was standing to the side of the Queen. Costia fanned herself, and caught her eye. Clarke nodded to her to be polite, and then told her mother she was heading to her apartment.

The beautiful Omega of her childhood dreams was waiting for a carriage. When it arrived Clarke decided to jump in it instead of waiting for her own.

She was on her knees pleasing the Omega. Her face was full of slick, as she pumped in and out of her. Her fingers lurching inside of her whenever the carriage hit a bump. She had Niylah cum twice before they arrived around the corner of her apartments.

“Thank you for the lift my lady,” Clarke got out of the carriage first.

Her inner Alpha was rising to the surface. She quickened her step as she walked around the square once before slipping inside. Niylah was naked in the foyer, when she entered. The Omega helped to strip her of her clothing, but she could not wait to enter her.

“Clarke,” Niylah moaned as her nails scratched her back. Her cock plunged in and out of the woman. She moaned against her neck kissing her bare skin, as she made her way down to her breasts.

Every scratch she longed for a soft caress. Her smell wasn't the smell she longed for. She wasn’t hers. Her wolf cried as her body went through the motions. Having a partner to help during a rut was more beneficial than suffering alone. She needed help. Especially if she was to make the Queens supper tomorrow evening.

“Knot me,” Niylah begged, and she faltered in her movements.

She remembered another time the Omega begged for her knot. She knew the Omega wanted her to breed her. Her husband had just died, and she wanted the security of an heir, but Clarke wouldn’t give her one. Niylah may have been her first kiss, but her husband had been the one to break her in. The sting of her rejection had had her finding the nearest suitor, and she knew Niylah regretted it.

“No pups.”

“You could just marry me,” Niylah tried and Clarke looked at her with tears in her eyes.

“Perhaps this was a mistake,” she said, pulling out.

Niylah whined, and Clarke breathed heavily as she fought against her most primal need.
“I am a willing participant.”

“But I cannot give you what you want. I won't have you entrap me into marriage,” she said.

Niylah slapped her. “I may not be your mate, but have the courtesy to speak to me with respect. I was practically a child the last time we did this dance. I wish for one even less. Especially yours you arrogant prick.” Niylah shoved her back into the couch and climbed on top of her.

The Omega took her cock and started to sink down on her knot. “I already took the tea you left out on the counter, now knot me Clarke. For one day we can enjoy the only aspect of our relationship that worked,” Niylah groaned as she took the base of her knot.

Clarke hadn’t knotted an Omega in a long time. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head, her vision went cloudy, and pleasure erupted from her. Niylah had taken the base of her knot and pumped out her neediest Omega scent. A scent that had her sneaking away in the middle of the night just to catch more of it once upon a time.

“Fuck,” Clarke panted as she came back to reality. Niylah simply purred against her as she wiggled her knot inside of her. “What tea?” She asked. She had wanted to ask earlier, but she was overtaken by pleasure.

Niylah lifted her head off of her to take a look at her. Niylah was just as confused as she was clearly. “It was just over there,” Niylah said, pointing to the stand by the door.

Raven. Shit. She wouldn’t divulge that secret to Niylah. Not when someone was going around spilling everyone’s secrets for them.

She just nodded and then changed their positions. Niylah was sucking a purple mark into her arm, as she continued to take her knot. She enjoyed the twitching walls, and breathless moans, the woman was making. She certainly was giving her a belly full.

The door opened to her apartment as she growled. Niylah flinched beneath her. She grabbed her shirt to help cover the woman’s body as she reached for a knife hidden in her boot. The intruder stepped into her apartment and came into view.

“Leave,” Clarke growled.

Anya locked eyes with her. Their combined scent full of copious amounts of sex likely struck her. Anya faltered at the door. “Sorry wrong apartment.”

Wrong apartment her ass… Who had a key to the wrong apartment. The clothes scattered around the place made sense. Her sister was likely cheating on her husband as much as he was cheating on her. Thankfully Anya couldn’t see Niylah over the couch. So unless she recognized her scent, she would be safe from scandal.

Clarke lifted her up and carried her to the bedroom. She rutted into her well into the morning as they gave each other a final hurrah. They couldn’t do it again. She couldn't. It was unfair to Niylah. She should have known it to be a mistake, but she was thinking with her knot. Rut brain her mother called it.

Niylah left late in the afternoon the following day. Her rut was nearly satisfied. Another night and possibly another day. Hopefully just one more night if she could find someone to satisfy it.
So Clarke bathed herself. Scrubbing off the scent of the other Omega lest her mother catch it.

The Blakes were likely dining with the Countess. An invitation from the queen only stretched so far. She was doing this for her sisters; she reminded herself, as she got dressed in the smart blue jacket Marcus brought her.

She took a separate carriage from her family. She arrived earlier than them, Marcus had assured her. Her mother was in the midst of calling out Baron Collins for thinking he was part of said dinner party. Bellamy was stretching it out, along with the countess, who never missed an opportunity to snuff him. Clarke felt terrible for Raven. Finn certainly wasn't the boy they had grown up with.

Once she was inside the palace she was escorted to the Queen. She sat across from Becca in the drawing room. The Queen did her snuff, and then pulled back. “The invitation was for you.” She said sternly.

“I thought you should see the family you are keeping me from.”

“I was under the impression that you didn’t want to return to your estate.” The queen smiled before sipping from her wine glass.

“Perhaps you mistake the words of a wounded pup. Let me assure you that I prefer my feet planted in British soil."

“Have they not been?” The Queen was quick to remark. “The Americas, India, Africa, Australia.”

“France, Germany, Russia. What was the name of the emperor you had me kill. Oh yes. Napoleon.” Clarke argued.

“You were made general, for that feat.”

“I have bled for this country. Killed for this country. I do not wish to mix my words. I wish to stay in Britain. My mother wishes for me to marry, and I don’t think my wife would appreciate the risk of the position you so graciously elevated me to.” Clarke lied. Another lie, but maybe the Queen would buy it and take pity on her.

The Queen sighed and appraised her. “I thought you were holding out for a mate. Or did I hear wrong?” She smiled a winning smile.

“I haven’t found her yet, and I won’t find her if I am warring, and carrying out whatever mission you send my way. I appreciate the trust you have placed in me, my Queen, but now I must put my trust in you. I wish for the opportunity to find a match, and settle down, and build the family that is expected of me. It is high time, I produce an heir.”

“You have a brother,” the Queen shot back.

Aden may hate her for it, but hopefully he would never find out. “He is a Beta, and he is just 13. Omegas, and Betas haven’t caught his eye.”

"Perhaps in a few years one will.”

"I don't think that will change his tastes,” Clarke gritted out and kept her eye on the Queen.

She watched as realization dawned on her, then it changed to pity. “I have a nephew with similar tastes. We are only human after all. Perhaps he may enjoy your position more than you do. All those men and Alphas to boss around.”

“Do not recruit my brother,” Clarke growled out.

Guards came into the room and the Queen simply held up her hand forcing them back. She watched as Anya and another guard left the room. Clarke rubbed at her temples before looking at the Queen again.

“Please don’t. I fought for you so they wouldn’t have to. You may have elevated me through the ranks, and pulled strings regarding my degree from Oxford, but I am not your puppet your Grace.”

“Good,” her majesty said, suddenly changing her tone.

Her family arrived for dinner, and they were moved to a grand table. The Queen ate on one side, and her on the other. She didn't miss the stares the older woman cast in her direction. Playful almost. Clarke did her best to tamper down her scent. When her own siblings started to pull at their own clothes she excused herself to use the washroom.

Not needing to actually use the facilities she pleasured herself to get rid of the rutting Alpha stench that clung to her. She washed her wrists, and neck before rubbing the petals from a flower against her scent glands to try and mute her scent.

When she emerged from the washroom she bumped right into a woman. She inhaled deeply, and smelled an Omega in heat. She inhaled again, but it wasn't the scent of the woman. She reached down to help her off the floor before a guard could offer her a hand. She wanted to inhale the heated scent once more.

“I am truly sorry,” Clarke stated, and lifted none other than Costia up off the floor.

The Omega stood close to her when she got up, and Clarke heard her inhale deeply. “Alpha,” the Omega smiled, and then stepped away. She looked her up and down, and bit her lip before walking away.

The scent of another Omegas heat clung to her, and Clarke couldn't help but watch her walk away, the guard trailing behind her. Costia smiled at her once before entering a room. The scent of heat wafted through the halls, and Clarke nearly buckled if it wasn't for the Alpha that stepped into her line of sight.

“We need to talk,” Anya said firmly.

Clarke snarled at her, and inhaled deeply once more before stepping away from her. Anya had recruited her to the position. I doubt she knew what it turned her into. She needed to be home, to heal her wounds as invisible as most were. Ignoring her she walked back to the dinner table, and sat down with her family. They would help to heal her tormented soul, not matter how much
they argued.

Chapter Text

Dearest gentle reader.

It has come to this author's attention that some of you indeed may not be gentle. No amount of makeup can hide a battered woman. One Baron has certainly raised more than a hand to his wife, but I shall not name her. It is he that should carry the embarrassment.

In other news the Queen has yet to announce her diamond. But perhaps after a certain dinner with the Griffins of Arkadia she will. After all, Lady Abby has many daughters to choose from. Some legitimate, and some merely adopted, such as Lady Octavia Blake.

Miss Blake certainly proved that she could be a lady, during her presentation. Though her eye may have wandered from the Queen, she certainly turned a few heads in her direction. This author believes that she is the one to look out for.

Another Lady worth mentioning is Miss Costia Greene. Lady in waiting to the Queen, and a companion of her granddaughter Princess Alexandria. Lady Costia certainly had eyes out for potential suitors, and they had her eyes on her.

Her dress came from the Mademoiselle Aurora’s, and one wonders how much champagne her chaperone had to allow for such a style. The French certainly are known for their less than modest ways. This author has it on good authority that a certain investor is committed to seeing as many young ladies in the most recent stylings. I for one know where I will get my next dress from. Save a bottle for Lady Whistledown Mademoiselle. I shall be seeing you shortly.

A few more names to speak of. Baron Roan hasn’t yet returned to London, and all the maids rejoice. From Buckingham Palace all through the Ton they celebrate their relative safety. For we all know Lord Roan is far from the only man to take what they want vs what is given. Safety is relative ladies.

Another man of note is Lord Bellamy Blake. It seems that a Winter working on one's own home has done wonders. A new suit wouldn't be amiss, but the women are far from complaining. Flex, and flex again Lord Blake because as you rebuild your seat, some ladies are already thinking of decorating it.

Lady Gaia Trigeda certainly looked interested. Her mother on the other hand did not. And we all know to win over a young lady, one must first win over their mama. Alphas care about pocket books, while one's mama always has the best of intentions.

Or do they? Some of them have certainly eyed up the younger crowd for years. Are they living vicariously through their daughters, or do some of them long for something more. A young Alpha certainly has more stamina than a lame horse. I doubt Lord Willoughby can climb the steps to his wife’s bed let alone please her.

Yes you read that right. A woman who isn’t an Alpha can also find pleasure. It just takes a capable partner to help them achieve such pleasure. With all the frowns these married and mated women have on it is no wonder, they look at the younger generation with lust in their eyes.

A lesson for all. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But a puppy. They are trainable.
And most of the eligible bachelors of the season are not pups, but some can certainly be trained. Such as the young Lord of Hallow Hall the 18 year old Hallis, or perhaps less of a tongue twister the young Lord Ryker Desai Marquess of Durham. Though you will have his mama to deal with.

It goes both ways. Just like a bachelor must please his future mother-in-law so must a potential bride.

The Queen's heir, her granddaughter Alexandria, is still unmarried. Good luck to the suitor that has to impress her. The princess wasn’t presented before court due to an untimely heat.

Speaking of the Princess, a heat only lasts so long dear. Perhaps Princess Alexandria burns hotter than most, but until she comes out, your guess is as good as mine. Does the Princess carry her mothers beauty, or is she simply a frog hidden away waiting for true love's kiss to turn her into a beauty.

From feathers, and Tiara’s to the butterfly ball. Lady Niylah Jordan has levied to hold a ball of her own. Perhaps to find the new Lord Jordan a match, or her younger sister one. Or, like this author mentioned before. Maybe one for herself.

With the Duke of Arkadia returning could young love turn into something more? The Duke was seen taking a ride in her carriage earliest this week. One has to wonder if that is all she was riding. Once a rake always a rake or perhaps the Duke is off the market?

Time reveals all, and this author plans to leave no stone unturned. Until next time.

Lady Whistledown.

-----------------------------------------------------

Raven was already at Griffin house when the newest Lady Whistledown arrived. Thankfully her tactless husband was nursing a hangover from his night at the club. She was the first of her sisters to grab the article before Octavia ripped it from her hands.

“Well read it,” Abby encouraged.

After a few moments Bellamy added. “Out loud. She meant read it out loud, Octavia.”

So Octavia read it out loud as the rest of them enjoyed their breakfast. Octavia paused and Abby told her to finish it. So Octavia did, and Abby spit her juice across the table.

“What does Lady Whistledown mean by riding?” Madi asked innocently.

Abby looked more mortified if that was even possible. She grabbed her daughter and left the room. Then came back a minute later calling for Charlotte and Reese.

“Where are they going?” Aden asked.

“I would wager they are learning about the birds and the bees,” Octavia stated.

“But we learned about those in grade school.” Aden argued.

Bellamy put a hand on his shoulder. "It's a special sort of chat, Perhaps Clarke can explain it to you.”

“Explain what?” Clarke asked entering the room.

Countess Callie simply handed her the latest Lady Whistledown. “Your mother is having a talk with your sisters. Madi asked what riding meant. Bellamy was simply telling Aden that you would give him a similar talk.”

“I am already a proficient rider,” Aden argued, and Clarke grumbled, and then led him out of the room.

They all shared a laugh, which immediately stopped when Abby entered the room with her three mortified young daughters. “I do not wish to marry,” Charlotte declared bursting into tears before running off.

Reese was about to stop her, and Abby got up, but Raven waved them off. She limped after her, and found her in the garden. She simply sat with her as her sister cried. She let her get it all out.

“It isn't all bad. You find a good partner, and everything feels good. Not awful. Besides, no one said you have to find a husband during your first year. I certainly didn’t.”

“But mother-“

Raven cut her off. “Your mother doesn’t have a say. You do. Speak with Clarke about it.”

"Clarke is just going to leave again. She won't be here to save me from whatever match mother finds. Reese wants us to marry brothers. What if she finds her perfect match? Everyone has these expectations, for me to wed, who they want.”

Anya had spoken to her. Albeit the Alpha was angry that her letter wasn’t delivered on time to stop her from walking in on Clarke. Anya had been able to find them another temporary spot, which only gave them time to be in each other's company, not inside of one another. Clarke would be staying for the season.

“Clarke said she would be here for the season, so she will be here for the season. Want to help me build some toys in fathers shop? That always cheers you up.”

“Mother hates me using fathers tools.” Reese added in a mock Abby voice, “it's not a hobby befitting a lady.”

She put a hand on her sister's shoulder. “Am I not a lady? Come on. Let me show you my latest project,” Raven declared.

They left the house entirely and went over to Clarkes. The apartment had at least 3 rooms, and a kitchen. It wasn’t modest by any means. Clarke had art supplies in one room. A bed in another, and then there was the master bedroom which reeked of rutting Alpha. Raven opened the windows, and then went about fixing the living room.

When Clarke left she had turned it into her personal workshop. Simply by turning over the unused table all of her tools appeared. She pulled down a few books that had spare parts in them. Then she moved the couches which covered some of the projects she was working on.

Metal work was her passion. Her fathers had been crafting wooden objects, which he in turn taught her and Clarke. Even Bellamy before he passed. She had made sure to pass it on to Charlotte when she showed interest. Though she preferred carving flowers to toy soldiers, they were improving.

Charlotte watched her work, and asked various questions. Raven explained to her as best she could. Charlotte wasn't a reader of books like she was. The texts she ordered were all for her Alpha sister, or else the shop keepers never would have sold them to her. Sexism, and just old school opinions of Omegas stations.

“What does it do?” Charlotte asked her as she got it set up. The wind up needed some work, and it wasn't quite perfected but she wound it anyway and showed Charlotte the swan she was working on. “Wow,” her sister said, amazed when the performance was done.

“See. Omegas can do anything. I am still a lady. A very clever one. Check this one out,” Raven said and showed her the music box. After seeing her eyes light up, and sparkle once more Raven told her she could keep it.

Her sister watched her work for a while and then picked up a book of French love poems that Clarke had sent. Charlotte read while she worked, and when the sun started to set she walked her back to Griffin house before returning home to her own lodgings.

“There you are,” Finn said. “Did you read the latest Whistledown?” Finn asked her. “You don’t think she was speaking about me do you? I said I was sorry.” Finn apologized, and apologized, but it didn't make up for the fact that when he got drunk he got violent. That was if he even came home at all.

“No. I don’t think so,” Raven lied, because the writer could be referring to many Lords, but fewer ladies.

Finn took her to bed, and she was thankful she didn’t have to stare at the ceiling. Water had started to leak through the roof. They had but one cook, and they would likely have to sell the place to survive winter.

Her husband wasn’t the person she would have chosen for herself. Finn had all but swindled his way into her bed. By the time Anya declared a duel for her hand, she had to race there to stop it. As the Alpha she wanted was dragged away by royal guards, she was carried off by Finn to the nearest doctor.

Anya had shot her, aiming for him. Finn changed after that. So did she. She had no idea Anya felt that way about her. Finn's jealousy had gotten the better of him this past year. She was so delirious on pain meds that she agreed to marry him. Anya refused to answer her many summons, and appeared only after she was wed.

There was her husband, and then there was her mate. While Finn focused on his pleasure, and trying to create an heir, Anya focused on her and her alone. She bought her books she actually liked. Supported her hobby, and left her things to let her know she cared. All Finn did was take, while all her mate did was give.

Anya had been the one to get her the tea. Both for herself and for any unwanted pregnancies. Her mate had been clear about accepting her no matter what happened. Raven just wanted Finn gone. She tried for the first few months until he started hitting her, and forgetting he did so the next morning. She was resigned to drink the tea, while waiting for her husband to inevitably land himself on a ship set for Australia. He was near cracking and Anya was waiting for an excuse to jail him.

“Are you ready for the butterfly ball? Perhaps you can get one of those new dresses from the modiste,” Finn said more to her breasts than to her.

“I don’t think we have the funds.” Raven said honestly, as she stared up at the hole in the ceiling.

“Get one. We can pay them later.” Finn rumbled into her neck teady for round two.

He claimed her, and claimed her again. He spilled inside of her, and talked about the kids she would not give him. Her neck was pained, as was her back. He never stopped trying to claim her. Another source of anger for him. None of them took. None of them took because she had met her mate, but thankfully Finn wasn't that smart.

“The new investor has changed things around. Perhaps, I can look at some of my old dresses.”

“I sold them. What do you mean changed things around? You pay when you pick up the dress, and even then a Lord's honor in payment is enough to take it and pay for it later.”

But will he pay for it later? She had slowly been paying off some of the debt he had accumulated, but Finn was a moron. He had no idea how to run a house, and refused to accept her help because she was a woman.

“You pay 75% down and you get a private room to try on dresses.” Raven stated leaving out the part about champagne.

It would be an Omega secret. Likely a closely guarded one, until it would one day come out. It was an experience that was offered now. One that even boosted the shops around it. Clarke was an investor. A genius visionary that pushed her family forward into newer more adventurous things.

Even Abby gushed about the fitting. Never to Clarke though. Abby would give her the cold shoulder for a while longer. A mother scorned torturing her daughter for never staying in one place at a time. It made sense now. General Griffin. Anya kept mum about that.

“That’s insane. What if the lady doesn’t like the dress?” Finn stated.

Raven shrugged. “Then the shop sells the dress to someone else. It is a business Finn. The price covers the cost of labor and materials. They offer a discount on a new dress if the first isn’t satisfactory.”

“So they still make you buy a dress. What is the world coming to? I shall speak to that investor myself.” Finn told her before falling asleep.

When she woke the next morning she fixed herself a cup of tea, and then one for her husband who was still in bed. She brought it to him, and then tried to leave before he noticed, but the floorboards creaked.

He took her again, and reminded her of her wifely duties. That he could be forceful if he wanted to be. So she let him, and once he was done he got dressed, and waited for her to get ready. There was no changing his mind. They were going to the modiste.

The entire walk down she plastered on a smile with him as he greeted this Lord or that Lady. It was tiresome. The fake smile she put on. She passed by Anya on her way to the shop, and knew she would have a surprise waiting for her at Clarke’s apartments.

Beside the Modiste, tables were set outside of the sweet shop. Customers were already sitting there including Clarke. Her sister practically dared Finn to look at her. Her husband instead asked the owner to prepare his table while he took her inside the shop.

“This isn't a place for Lords,” Aurora said.

Giggling could be heard in the back, and she noticed quite a few young ladies in various areas of the shop. Clarke had seriously got the work done. The Alpha must have had people working through the night the past week. It was beautiful. She even recognized one of her paintings on the wall of a vineyard in France.

“It is when they are paying customers.” Finn changed his tone to one that Raven backed away from. It didn’t go unnoticed by Aurora.

“I have young girls here. Protecting their modesty is important. The pheromones you are emitting are most certainly distressing.”

“I wish for my wife to have a dress in one of those new styles from France.”

“I know the dresses you speak of. Do you have a downpayment?”

Wrong thing to say. Finn got angry, and Raven reached out for his hand and pumped out her pheromones. “I don't need a new dress.”

“Do you not know who I am?” Finn asked.

Aurora, put both hands down on the table in a no nonsense manner. “I know exactly who you are, Lord Collins. My new business partner has changed the way I run things. Unless you wish to clear out your debt, and make a down payment I will not be making your wife a new dress,” Aurora looked to her apologetically.

“You dare refuse my business. I am a highly respected Lord.”

“I suggest you take it up with my new investor.”

“And who would that be?” Finn asked.

Aurora walked over to the door, and pointed over to Clarke. Finn grumbled but then put on his charm as he walked over to her sister. Clarke didn’t bother to look up from her newspaper when he cleared his throat.

“Get me and my wife a chair,” Finn said to the owner.

Raven didn’t miss him looking at Clarke. Clarke put down her newspaper and looked over to him. “Bring a chair over for my sister, she can enjoy whatever she wishes. I must speak to her husband.” Clarke said.

She watched Clarke drag away Finn. She smelt the Alphas anger before she heard the grunts. Her husband stormed right past her. Black eyed, and pissed off. He gave her an expectant look, and then looked up. Clarke was now beside her with a smug look of satisfaction. It was also a challenge.

“Raven is staying at the house tonight. I can't have my sister living in that hovel you call a home. I suggest you review your books Mr. Collins. Your wife has done a most excellent job of keeping mine, while I was away.”

Tears started to form, and Clarke handed her her pocket square. Finn had stormed off, but not before giving her the most betrayed look he could muster. “Thank you,” Raven said honestly.

Clarke ordered for the both of them, and two guests. The Greene’s appeared from the modiste a few minutes after food arrived, and her sister pulled out their chairs. It would be rude to tease her about it in company, but they would be having words later. Surely she wasn't the only one who noticed that Clarke paid more attention to a certain family over others.

“Are you getting a new dress for the butterfly ball? Lord Jasper has imported drinks of various colors to match the butterflies.” Costia gushed. Then she put her hands on the table and leaned in. “And the princess told me she would be in attendance. Can you believe it?”

Niylah was a doting sister. But both of their attentions were on Clarke. The Alpha was rather jovial. Raven ate a fair portion of the cakes. It was the best food she had had since her last meal at the Griffins.

“I cannot. I shall believe it when I see it. No one knows what the princess even looks like,” Raven said.

“I look forward to seeing what you ladies come up with.” Clarke added.

Niylah rested her hand on top of Clarkes, and Raven watched her sister get a little jealous. “Thank you for the dresses Clarke.”

Her sister waved it off. "It is merely a business decision. You and your sister are representing not one but two of my new shops,” Clarke said, gesturing to the sign of the cafe.

Costia rested her hand on Clarkes hand as soon as Niylah removed hers. “And thank you for the cakes, your grace. Surely your businesses will be a hit after our party. Isn’t it uncommon for Lords to own them?” Costia asked as she removed her hand.

Oh this girl was good. Costia grabbed Clarkes attention and the Alpha went on about her various businesses. Including a special project she was working on that should be ready mid summer. The way Clarke hinted at it she had a feeling she knew what it was. Pauna wasn't the first exotic animal to grace the halls of the Griffin estates.

“Raven has been such a help while I have been away.” Clarke said, grabbing her sister's hand so that no one else could grab hers. Clarke didn’t let go at all as she gushed about her book keeping, and organization skills.

“Would you let your Omega have that much control over your books?” Costia asked.

Niylah answered for her. “Clarke would allow her Omega control over that, and more sweet sister. Come on, it's time to return you to the castle.” Niylah rose, and Costia reluctantly did as well.

“Thank you Alpha,” Costia curtseyed, and Niylah rolled her eyes.

After they left Raven tried to contain her laughter to a minimum. Clarke had paid off her husband's debts, and had apparently most of the businesses he was indebted to. Including the club, which he was likely fuming about.

“London needs some restructuring. Don't you think sweet sister?” Clarke asked as she held her close to her side.

Clarke got measured for a special suit, and Raven got to choose her own style of dress. She went with more of a Spanish style. She was married now. No need to hide her modesty. Finn would like it, but it was for Anya in truth. If the Princess was coming to the Jordan/ Greene ball then her best guard would be there.

Once they were done there, they went to Griffin house. “You can stay here, or at my apartment. You don't need to return to him. Not for anything Raven. If you wish for a divorce I shall make sure one is granted.”

“You would do that?” Raven asked her.

“That and more sister,” Clarke said in a tone, which made her wonder what more would be. “You say the word, and you will no longer be bound to him,” Clarke reached her hand over to gently touch her recently scarred neck. “I have a lot to make up for.”

Her sister had gone a long way to make it up to them. Various gifts always arrived from her, for the family. Now that she was here, she made a point to spend time getting to know them. She may have told Clarke about Charlotte's fears, and she noticed her sister breathing easier after a chat with Clarke.

Bellamy was never far from the house. Octavia had already had a few callers. Some had remembered her stunt from last year, and Bellamy wanted to protect his sister from those that likely wanted a challenge. To have an Omega who they could break. Bellamy was making sure his sister's spirit wouldn't be broken, while also keeping up Clarkes. He was one of the few that could pull her away from work.

“Did you really buy a cake shop? Does that mean we get to eat more cake?” Madi asked eagerly.

Clarke laughed. “Don’t you eat enough as it is?” Clarke teased.

Dessert had been delivered to the house. They had sampled not one but two cakes. Clarke had even proposed individual cakes, as she had seen done on her travels. This baker had his work cut out, but Clarke was merely financing his passion. Raven was sure that by the end of the upcoming ball he would be so busy with orders that they would be expanding, just like Aurora's business had.

“I am stuffed. Thank you Clarke. Perhaps you can help me make some investments. I have some money saved now, and I hope you don't mind but I had my farmers follow the same plan you drew up for Marcus.”

“You mean Raven. Marcus has been engaged in another one of my projects.” Clarke explained over a game of cards.

Abby looked most intrigued. Clarke nodded to Bellamy in respect. “I am happy you did so. Perhaps you can host a ball at your rebuilt estate.”

"It is still a work in progress Clarke. Much to do.”

“In the America's they have barn raising’s.”

“Barn raising’s?” Countess Cartwright asked.

To her surprise it was Abby who explained it. Coming from the Americas herself she knew quite a bit about what went on there. Clarke added things here and there.

“You should hold a barn raising brother. It would be so much fun. Think of all the ladies that would gather to watch you.” Octavia gushed.

Raven flicked her nose. “You just want to see all the men without a shirt on before you make a decision.”

“I know I wish I had,” Callie added and they all shared a laugh.

Clarke agreed to ride up to Bellamy's estate the following week. It would be a form of bonding they would do together. She was shocked when she was invited to join them. Octavia would also be coming with. It would be their first outing as friends in many years. She was already looking forward to it.

Perhaps Clarke was right. A divorce would be a way out of it. But divorces were tricky things. Would Anya even marry her? She would likely have to renounce her title. Would she also stop working for the Queen? They would need to figure something out. Raven would need to prepare for her future now more than ever.

Finn had come by the house a few times and was treated worse than the lowliest of suitors. Abby only allowed him in because of the scene he was causing. She had no doubt that the name Collins would end up in the next edition of Whistledown.

Clarke immediately was called back to the house, and supervised their time together. Finn yelled. Clarke yelled. Abby scolded them because the children were in bed. Raven cried herself to sleep in Clarkes bed that night. Curled against her younger Alpha sister, as Clarke pumped out her scent to keep her calm.

Her gorilla woke her up in the morning. It gave her quite a fright, as she jumped out of bed. Clarke calmed him, and she was handed a banana to hand to him. She watched as he ate it, and then picked at Clarkes hair. The Alpha brought him over to some large toys around her room, and Raven was amazed. She didn’t think it was possible for an animal to be so smart.

“You should see him draw,” Clarke said and set up an easel for him.

The two of them painted. Marcus brought them breakfast. She wasn’t quite ready to face everyone. Most had heard Finn and Clarke shouting. Thankfully Clarke was good company, and the gorilla wasn’t so bad.

“It’s,” Raven stared at the picture that Pauna drew of her.

“Amazing work Pauna,” Clarke praised before Raven could critique it.

Raven walked behind them through the house, and into the yard where her family was having lunch. Clarke brought him to the tree, and her youngest siblings brought him various things that had him climbing up and down the tree.

“He leaves in a few days mother,” Clarke explained much to Abby's relief.

Callie steered the conversation to tomorrow's ball. They all ignored the fight last night. She didn’t miss Abby's concerned looks. Nor Octavias. She was older than the twins by a few years. Bellamy had finally come up with the funds for a dowry for her, to be properly presented. Which meant she knew quite a bit more than her younger sisters.

“Butterflies. Such fascinating creatures.” Abby added her opinion, as she looked down to her.
“They start off so small, and then they find their wings.”

Thankfully the dresses for the ball were delivered. Green for Octavia, and matching blue dresses for Reese and Charlotte. Which came as a surprise from Clarke. Her sisters loved the dresses. Her own was a burnt orange, and a black butterfly outline had been stitched onto the side of it. Small but unique.

Jordan house was decorated from floor to ceiling with butterflies. They fluttered around the ballroom, as the musicians played. People were already dancing. It had taken Reese ages to decide how she wanted to do her hair, so they were running late.

“Raven,” Finn called out to her.

She watched him part through the crowd. Clarke had heard him as well, and her Alpha sister moved herself in such a way she could keep an eye on all of them. “You look so beautiful. You remember my friend Jasper from school. He is hosting this ball,” Finn boasted, and the man popped up.

Jasper Jordan was a nice enough man, but he was a lush. He drank more than her husband, and looked deep into his cups. Finn did as well. “Thank you for hosting such a remarkable ball. I love the decorations,” Raven praised.

“I helped with the drinks,” Jasper hiccupped, and Finn laughed along with him.

“Then I should go have one,” Raven told them before making her way over to the drinks table. Clarke checked in, Finn asked her to dance, and she wanted to refuse him. They were in a room full of people, and Niylah had always been kind to her growing up. Raven agreed just so that she wouldn't cause a scene.

Abby watched her with a concerned gaze as she spoke with Indra, the mother of Gaia, who was currently speaking with Reese, and Charlotte by the refreshment table. When the dance ended, she thankfully didn't need to excuse himself. Finn went to get a drink, so she went to be with family.

Clarke was the first person she found. Her outfit was gorgeous. Eye catching indeed. The feminine curves, colors, and cut made her stand out amongst the gathered crowd. Bellamy also stood with her as did Wells Jaha, who was always courteous if not a little stiff.

Costia approached them slowly leaving behind a group of ladies observing the rarer species of butterflies in a glass display. The girl looked gorgeous in her purple dress, with a butterfly bodice.

“Do you wish to dance your grace?” Costia asked Clarke.

“How about let's all dance.” Clarke proposed. Your friends, and mine,” Clarke said pointing to the three other girls.

Her sister gave the Omega her arm, and Raven walked behind them to the other group. Her leg ached, but she loved to dance. It also helped to distract her from the hard choices she soon had to make.

To her shock Anya was in a dress. She smelt a little different. Covered in the scent of the other Omegas, but it was Anya. She would recognize her anywhere. They gravitated towards one another as Costia paired off the other women. A brunette with a remarkable butterfly painted on her face, was paired with Wells, while the black haired woman danced with Bellamy.

Anya tried to speak to her, but by the time she was ready to speak, partners changed. After the dance they followed the rest of the group to the refreshments. Her husband ignored her and went straight for Costia. “May I have the next dance?” Finn asked.

He didn’t even look towards her. Costia did. As did all of their friends. Costia could refuse, but it was an ill custom. Refusing a dance, was to ask for an empty card all season.

They didn’t leave alone. Clarke asked the brunette with the butterflies to dance, while Wells tried his luck with Reese. Bellamy went to invite Charlotte to dance with him, which left her with Anya, and some other lady who’s scent was clearly one of the ones on her.

“I want a divorce,” Raven spat out quickly. When the other Omega looked at her, she gently pulled Anya off to the side. “Clarke said she would help me.”

“It would be quite a scandal.”

“So you don’t wish for me to get divorced?” Raven looked into the Alpha's eyes.

“That's not what I said.” Anya argued.

“If you no longer wish to see me, because I am so scandalous, there are simpler ways of letting me down."

“I have no intention of doing such a thing. You are my mate Raven. I want Finn gone, but I don’t wish for your name to be dragged through the mud. I would renounce lands, and titles. I would climb every mountain, and swim across the seas for your love, even knowing I am undeserving of it. Whatever you decide, I shall support you.” Anya promised.

The crowd slowly clapped as the song ended. Raven watched as Niylah parted the crowd to bring in the cake. It was magnificent. The crowd gathered, and even Jasper, wowed her with a drink that changed color with a hint of lemon juice. The crowd clapped, after that bit of magic.

Niylah had the staff come to cut and plate the cake. Inside was a cutout butterfly that matched the purple of both Costia and Niylah’s dresses. If Clarke could help them plan such a ball, Raven wondered about what Clarke had planned for their own.

Musicians started to play again, and Clarke took Niylah out onto the floor. Other Omegas found partners, and Raven watched over her fan as Clarke was swarmed by them. Whenever she switched partners, her frown only grew. Raven approached her right after the song ended, and saved her from Ontari Frost who was making a b line for them along with her mother.

“Thank you,” Clarke said when Raven handed over her drink. “I don’t mind being asked to dance, but at this rate. I would likely be on my feet all night. I think I am going to check on Reese, and Charlotte. Care to join?” Clarke asked her, but she noticed Anya was trying to get her attention.

Raven shook her head. “You’re a good sister Clarke,” Raven praised, before walking towards where Anya had just disappeared.

She followed the scent of her mate into a storage closet. Anya quickly turned her around and pressed herself up against the door. Her cock lifted the dress, as Anya fought to pull it up. Raven moaned as her lips traced the angry wounds Finn had left, as she promised to give her a mark that wouldn’t disappear.

Her own dress, she pulled up, and she quickly turned around so that Anya could take her from behind. Swiftly she was entered, and Raven moaned quietly. Her lip suffered through her pleasure, as she started to pleasure herself.

Moans were muffled, and she felt Anya’s teeth graze her back as she panted against her. Raven was brought to pleasure quickly, and as soon as she came so did her mate. Anya ripped her underskirts, and then helped to clean her up.

The Alpha used her mouth on her. A strong tongue found her clit, as long fingers pressed inside of her. Raven bit her own arm to keep from crying out. Once she came Anya used the rest of the ripped fabric to wipe away her essence.

“Soon we won't need to sneak around,” Anya promised before leaving her in the closet.

Raven emerged a few minutes later, and went to find Abby. She would rather spend the rest of the evening at home. Especially now that her husband was dancing once again with someone that wasn’t her. Best to leave while he was distracted.

Abby was speaking to Costia, and a few of her friends. Including the one with the covered face. Clarke approached them, and all the lady's eyes turned to her sister.

“Are you looking for a wife, your grace?” The black haired girl from earlier asked.

Clarke looked at her mother, and then looked at the girls. One in particular she stared at more than the others when she next spoke. Anya was slowly approaching. Raven stopped paying attention to who everyone was making eyes at.

“I would be happy to find a wife, but I am really looking for a mate. My mother found my father rather quickly. This is my first season back in London, and perhaps I shall have the same luck.” Clarke said to them.

Soon their group was flooded by eager Mama’s. Abby took over the conversation as Clarke was eyed up by the vultures. Raven heard her sister ask someone to dance, and she was shocked at the rejection.

“We have already danced your Grace. Twice if I recall. Isn’t it improper to share more than a couple dances with someone you haven’t declared your intentions to?” The woman with the painted face said coolly.

Raven snickered behind her fan as Clarke was stuck in a bind. Abby looked gleeful. Oh sweet revenge. Likely Abby was done with her torture, for watching Clarke get out of the bind she was in was too much for even her to watch.

A crash had them all turning their heads. Raven moved through the crowd to get a closer look at what caused the commotion. “Doctor. We need a doctor!!” Jasper shouted.

Clarke rushed through the crowd taking off her jacket as she went. By the time Raven caught up to her with her limp, her sister was on top of the man breathing for him. When she pulled her mouth off of his, she gasped. Perhaps she wouldn’t need a divorce after all.

Chapter Text

If you have not heard the news by now, you must be living under a rock.

The Butterfly Ball is likely to be the most talked about event of the season. Not only was it decorated with flair, but the Omegas, and even a couple Alphas dressed for the occasion making it even more remarkable.

Lord Jasper Jordan may be prone to drinking, but he has proved his mastery of it. He wowed the guests with his cocktails. Then when the cake was brought out he turned into a magician, changing the colour of the drink from blue to violet with a few drops of lemon juice. Perhaps his next trick will be making a bride appear by his side.

Niylah Jordan formerly Greene outdid herself with the cake. It was perfection. Not only did it taste great but the inside had a surprise. A purple butterfly in the middle. It matched the dresses of the hosts, as did Lord Jordans drinks. Simply a statement to how well that family coordinated the event.

This author has it on good authority that the cake was created by the shop next to the Modiste. One can get fitted for a dress after sampling the cakes, because surely extra room will be needed.

Squeezing into a dress the size of an orange and a half isn't healthy for anyone. Miss Grover likely wouldn’t have fainted on the steps up to the ball if she wasn’t forced into such a tight outfit.

Many more exciting things happened, and the various winged creatures weren't the only things fluttering about. Duke Griffin has declared her intent to find her mate. Who could they be I wonder? The Griffins are known for love matches spanning generations. Mayhaps a certain butterfly has already caught her eye.

One certainly caught the eye of Lincoln Trikru, who was spotted dancing with Octavia Blake no less than 4 times. Will the seasoned warrior be the one to still the restless Blakes wild soul? Or will they ride wild together. They certainly would make a striking couple.

The Lady Gaia Trigeda caught the eye of Lord Titus, whether she wanted it or not. The man is old enough to be her grandfather. Not many would have batted an eye if she refused. Did she perhaps step on his toes or is she truly that clumsy of a dancer. Either way, worst pair of the evening.

Perhaps Lord Titus should find someone his own age. Or at least a more experienced dance partner if he wishes to take to the floor again.

Another dancer of note is Baron Green. Not to be mistaken for the other Greene’s hosting the ball. Baron Green, a most accomplished dancer. One wonders if his instructor was the one to teach him such flair and acrobatics.

The ball won't be remembered for these many reasons, but for the death of Lord Finnagus Collins. Finn Collins was the subject of many a column of mine last season, but I do not wish to speak ill of the dead. For it is the living that mourn the loss of their loved ones. I do hope Mrs. Collins will one day find happiness.

See you all at the upcoming Trigeda Ball if not the funeral. For this author knows that both can be a source of gossip. Would you read my column if it wasn’t full of it? I think not.

Lady Whistledown.

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Chapter 3

The plan to ride down to the Blake estate continued, but it was a funeral march. Finn's estate was on the way to her own, where she was headed first. Then she would ride a horse to the Blakes. Change, and then quickly ride with them over to the Collins Estate.

If she hadn’t worked so hard to save him, it would have damned her. More than a few people gossiped about their fight. Thankfully it wasn't in the recent gossip column, or else she may have been accused of killing him.

Clarke was happy he was dead. She already wrote to the Queen. Through Raven she knew that his estate was indebted to the crown. It bordered her lands, just like the Blake Estate, and the Greene estate, and the Jaha estate. So in her letter to the Queen she offered to pay off his debt for the lands, with plans to cultivate them.

Pauna was delivered to his new home. He was happy to be united again with Doctor Santiago, and they brought him to his new habitat. Marcus had taken her drawings and turned them into a reality.

“What do you think?” Her friend and teacher asked her.

It was wonderful. The giant glass dome allowed for light. The brick layered structure around it had various enclosures and green houses in-between. Clarke knew that if she could fly she would see the building's star shape.

“How are the Zebras? The Queen is fond of them, I am told.”

He walked her out of the building which housed tropical plants, different primates, and various reptiles. One specifically for butterflies which she had to have her employees recollect from the Jordan estate. There were turtles, and other aquatic creatures out in the scenic pond. It was grandiose, but it was hers. Well everyones. The creatures belonged to the land.

Outside he brought her around the outer ring. One enclosure full of rocks had a small pride. Clarke jumped right in. The maned lion approached her, and Gabriel screamed at it to be gentle.

“You are just a big softy,” Clarke said, rolling around with him. The females ignored her when a sheep was dropped in. Her old pal left her as well, and she climbed the rope out of the enclosure.

“I missed him.” Clarke confessed.

“As did someone else. I have a surprise for you," Gabriel led her past the antelopes, and buffalo over to the elephants. “She calved,” he said.

Sure enough a calf peaked out behind the leg of Ella. When Ella noticed her, she was wrapped up in her large trunk. The male she had taken to mate trumpeted, and approached. He remembered her as well. “Emphram old chap,” Clarke said, reaching out to stroke him.

“She doesn’t have a name yet.”

“Let us keep it that way. I shall have a draw after societies promenade through. Anyone wishing to donate or become a member can have a vote.”

After a while she checked on the Giraffes, and then the kangaroos. Her pandas and their handlers were on their way. They would likely be the biggest hit for the ladies. They were rather adorable at times.

“Do you think you will sell many memberships?” He asked her.

Clarke put her arm around him. “We Mr. Santiago. We will have not only members of the Ton but members of the public. My grandparents are arriving with their friends from the Americas with deep pockets. You are the foremost animal specialist. Arkadia will be a tourist destination.”

“I do love how close we are to the water. The winemaker has improved these past 2 years.” Gabriel added.

“Good. Let's go see if Claude is awake,” Clarke said happily.

Oh her creation was a cause to celebrate. 20 acres and growing with each new species brought in. The grapes spanned over 100 acres, and it was a hard ride to the property. Claude was awake, and by the time she finished her cigar, she was riding through the night to get to the Blake estate.

To her surprise they hadn’t left yet. Which meant they would leave early in the morning. She was half tempted to sleep in the carriage. She was drunk off of wine, and seeing her own creation come to fruitions.

“Is everything to your satisfaction?” Bellamy asked when she was led to her room.

“This is great Bellamy. You have done an amazing job on the estate.”

“I meant with your animals?”

“You know?" Clarke paused.

“Marcus needed a few extra hands. I had workers in need of work, now that all the large wings have been rebuilt.”

“Does anyone else in the family know?"

Bellamy shrugged. “If Raven hasn't figured it out yet I would be surprised. Octavia of course rode by it, and she has been sworn to secrecy, on the promise she gets to ride an elephant.”

Clarke laughed. “She knows they aren’t like horses right?”

Another shrug and a laugh from her friend. They hugged goodnight, and were woken early in the morning by staff. She changed into her spare set of clothes. She stuffed a flower into one of the buttonholes, and sprayed perfume so she smelled less of animal.

As they rode to the Collins estate Octavia braided her hair, and she told her and her brother about her zoo. Bellamy was most intrigued, as he had seen a lot of the enclosures being built.
When they arrived, they were greeted by her family's workers. All of them dressed in mourning clothes. Marcus took them inside to where some workers were busy with repairs.

The body was in the main room of the estate. Raven was sitting in a chair all in black. Her sister was sad, but she knew she was grieving for the friend they had lost. Not the husband she was forced to marry in her absence.

“All will be well,” Clarke promised.

Not wanting to get her clothes dirty she found some of Finns old clothes. She dressed minimally, and then approached the staff. They all recognized her, and begged her to stop, but she wouldn’t. She helped with the repairs as people trickled in that knew the Collins family. Up one ladder and another. From kitchens to bedrooms.

By the time the funeral march started the next morning she had finally washed off the paint from the bedrooms. To anyone that stopped by it looked like the Collins family was in the middle of a remodel.

Which was exactly what her mother was going for. Optics. Politics. It was a game she learned how to play from her mother, and Abby Griffin had them all thinking the estate was prospering not broken down.

“You had quite a few women staring at you yesterday. Even acting as a simple servant. Surely choosing a bride from the masses won’t be too difficult,” her mother said when they were back at the estate for drinks, and simple fare.

Sure enough many eyes were on her now. “Finn wasn’t this well liked,” Raven chimed in under her breath, and gave her a smile for a moment before looking at the widowed bride.

“You must be so saddened by the loss of your childhood friend,” Ontari Frost said to her as her mother spoke to Raven.

Clarke just nodded to her, and let a tear fall. “Oh you poor thing,” Another young Lady practically pushed Ontari into her mother, and Clarke reached out to steady her. The Omega who reached for her dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief soaked in Omega pheromones. Clarke knew exactly where that had been.

“I thank you ladies for your kind words. If you will excuse me,” Clarke bowed to them, and walked quickly away from them and into the estate.

Workers still puttered away, and she decided that it was the perfect place to hide. So she changed again, muddied up her face, and hid her blonde locks under a cap. She was forced out of the lower rooms quickly by the staff, and Marcus brought her to a room in need of repair on the upper floors.

She was lost to painting. With very few colors she somehow managed to have flowers crawling up the green vines. She had the perfect view of the funeral goers. She laughed out loud when she noticed groups of young ladies checking behind hedges. Even her own siblings were looking for her.

“Nice hiding spot,” Niylah stated.

“Is your sister here? I fear a funeral has already turned into the new place to find a suitor,” Clarke pointed to outside where Lincoln Trikru was having a picnic with Octavia, as Bellamy and Indra stood near them. Both had their arms crossed, as the two love birds were happy for another occasion to see one another.

“You aren’t thinking of courting my sister are you?”

“No. She isn't my mate,” Clarke spoke openly with Niylah. They were friends first, even if sometimes the lines blurred.

Niylah pulled out a flask and shook it. She took a sip before handing it to her. They stayed and spoke for a while. Niylah watched out the window from the chair in the corner while she painted.

When the flask was finished they rummaged through Finn's bedroom and managed to find a bottle. They were both tipsy, and the door was closed. Niylah made the first move but Clarke held her back.

“You found her?” Niylah asked.

“I didn’t even ask for her name. How did she get into your ball, if she was a kitchen maid.”

“Perhaps she isn’t a maid at all."

“Do you know who she was? She was with Costia. Face painted like a butterfly.” Clarke asked desperately, which was odd because Niylah was still beside her.

“No,” Niylah got up and straightened her dress.

Clarke got up as well and rummaged through Finns things. She handed Niylah some loose clothing. “Will you help me figure it out?"

"Do I need to change to help you?”

“You do if you want this,” Clarke held up the bottle, and then closed the door leaving Niylah to change.

They went back to the room she was painting. In the middle she wrote Anya’s estate, and maid. Next she added Butterfly Ball, and painted face. Over to the side she wrote the names Anya and Costia.

Bellamy was the next to join them. Abby had invited the Trigeda’s to the estate for dinner, so they were leaving. Wells was surprisingly the next to join, and lastly Raven. All of them passed around the bottle and talked about old times.

When they awoke the next morning the drawing room looked in complete disarray. Marcus stepped over their limbs, and rang a bell, to get their attention. “Dowager Duchess Abby is expecting you for lunch. Carriages have been called to take you back to London, and will ride through the night to make it back in time for the Trigeda Ball.

Raven got a dress for Niylah and they helped each other dress. She just put on her funeral clothes, as did Wells, and Bellamy who had joined her in painting the walls of the room. So many theories to the identity of the mystery woman. Her mate. All of them helped. Even Niylah.

At her family estate she quickly found that she didn't fit into any of her old clothes. Her fathers clothes were also much too large. She made due though. Piecing together clothes that Bellamy had outgrown, and that Aden couldn’t yet fit into.

Indra was lovely. She had a hard exterior, but she was laughing with her mother by the time they had dessert. Claude arrived midway through lunch, and Indra spoke to him in rapid French. She caught her name a few times, and she heard him praising her skill at chess.

“Claude has been my favorite gift Clarke sent back from her travels,” her mother gushed.

“And now mine,” Indra raised her glass to her.

“Did you bring your mother back anything Lincoln?” Countess Cartwright asked.

“Myself,” he said cheekily.

Gaia rolled her eyes, and then went on about his healing journey. How he sent them back books, and various weapons from the different regions he visited. From the look her mother had at the mention of weapons she was glad she hadn't sent back any.

They left after dessert, all of them piling into carriages. Her, Raven, Niylah and Madi in one. Her other sisters with Countess Cartwright, and Lady Gaia. Indra, Lincoln, Octavia, and her mother in another. Then Bellamy was in one with Marcus, Wells, and Aden.

A barrel of wine was attached to each carriage for the masked ball along with a sparkling juice from apples Claude's apprentice managed. They would be used at the masked ball, they were set to host the week after Indra’s.

At Griffin house everyone ran amuck organizing costumes. The theme usually revolved around nature in some way. This year, they had decided upon an ancient warrior tribe, in honour of their relation to them, and Lincoln's return.

Clarke had more of an idea than anyone else, but it was rather improper. Octavia had her full attention though. Raven was still wearing black. That wouldn't change. Her twin sisters already had dresses they wanted to wear. So she focused on turning Octavia into a warrior princess, using riding leathers, and a leather corset over a linen shirt. She next painted her face in red, and black, until Octavia was squealing in excitement.

"Are you sure about this?” Bellamy asked, looking at the leather pants he wore inside out. His chest was painted, leaving his face bare. As was custom for males. Lincoln would be wearing something more ceremonial she assumed.

“Ohh your father would have loved this," her mother gushed when they were all ready.

When they arrived they caught the attention of everyone near the front entryway. Indra jumped over to greet them, and brought them outback. Lincoln was dancing around a fire with other shirtless men, and Clarke gently closed her jaw.

“Go mingle. We have dancers all around. I fear the music isn’t to everyone's taste, but no one has left yet.” Indra had a certain twinkle in her eye.

“Come on,” she grabbed Bellamy’s hand and went over to the dancing men.

Lincoln showed Bellamy some moves, and Clarke followed along. She danced until she started to sweat. It was the first ball she had been to where she could dance alone, and wasn't interrupted by partners. She stuck at it, until she could barely feel her legs, and then stopped to get a drink.

Her mother was fanning herself with Callie near the refreshments. Around another fire some of the women were being taught how to dance. Octavia was learning from Niylah who had picked it up rather quickly. Her sister Costia noticed her, and made her way over to her.

Clarke picked up a glass of berry juice for her, and brought it to her meeting her half way. “This is a change isn't it?”

Costia took her offered drink, and took it back quickly. Clarke noticed a pair of eyes watching her through the fire. Before they danced around it Costia drew her attention back to her. “What do you think that fire is for?” Costia asked, pointing to the larger one.

“I am sure Lincoln and Octavia will show us in a bit. It is used for couples. They orbit around it like the moon and the sun, until they dance together. It is a mating dance.” Clarke explained having read about it in a book.

The lady blushed and Clarke laughed with her a little. “I think this version will be much more tame than others.” She promised her.

“I was hoping we could share a dance again.” Costia confessed.

She was beautiful. Likely the diamond of the season, but her scent didn't call to her. Not like the scent that had clung to her skin during the dinner with the Queen. She did need to speak to her though.

“Perhaps we can meet for cake this week. There is something I wish to speak to you about.”

“Yes of course. I shall tell Niylah right away,” Costia smiled and went off to find her sister. Clarke waved over to them, and Niylah gave her a pointed stare which she couldn't decipher.

“This is rather primitive,” Nia Frost said, bringing over her daughter Ontari.

"On the contrary I think it is beautiful.”

“How so?” Ontari asked.

Clarke went on to explain how the tribe thought of the sun and the moon lovers. How their love helped to create life that grew so large, it created the land on which they now stood. That the sun and moon chased one another, and every few years they were able to meet. She made her excuses to leave after that. She had paid them enough courtesy. Clarke had no interest in the Frost family.

Indra rang a gong that had everyone's attention on her. “My son has made his intentions clear. Miss Blake,” Indra called out and Octavia came to the front to stand before Indra, and the large fire. Lincoln was on the opposite side ready for the music to begin. “Let the mating dance begin, for at the end of the season, we will be hosting a wedding at our family estate joining our two families,” Indra spoke loudly and then grabbed a drum and started to bang it.

Her mother and Bellamy joined in with the musicians. They played for them as the couple danced. Clarke prowled the outer ring of the fire, and noticed Costia arguing with a woman who had warrior paint on. It dripped down her face. Her dress. Gods her dress was beautiful. The slit down her leg had her salivating, and as she got closer the scent had her inhaling deeply.

“You cannot marry her,” the woman said, pulling Costia away from the crowd, and into the dark garden.

Clarke followed them on instinct. She looked around to make sure that everyone's eyes were on the dancers, before entering the grove of trees. She was quiet. She was trained not to make a sound.

When she found them they were kissing, locked in a heated embrace as Costia slipped her hand inside of the dress. The woman threw her head back, and Clarke caught her aroused smell. She crept forward, and stepped on a stick. Both sets of eyes snapped towards her, and Costia removed her fingers which glistened in the moonlight.

Costia quickly hid it behind her back, as Clarke slowly stepped forward. She kept her hands raised, and pumped out her scent blanketing them in comfort, and not arousal. It was hard to tamper that down, while her wolf growled to just take them both.

“You won't tell anyone will you Clarke?” Costia begged.

“Not a soul, but the Omega is right, Costia. I cannot marry you.”

“Why not?” Costia asked, hurt, and then looked down. “Is it because?” The lady gestured to her friend.

Clarke stepped forward, and grabbed the hand that had been pleasuring the Omega. The other girl slowly backed away. “I cannot marry you because she is my mate,” Clarke said, turning to point to where the other Omega had stood but she was now gone.

Costia left in tears, pulling her hand from hers. Clarke looked up at the moon and sighed. She then approached the rather large tree and hugged it. She needed to ground herself. Costia wasn’t the only one that wanted to cry.

“My mate loves another.” She cried out before leaving the party through the side gate.

All night she stayed up painting her. She would never keep the painting though. She added Costia to it as well. Two young lovers in such a sapphic position. It was still drying by the time breakfast was called.

She ate quickly, caught up on the previous night's affairs, and promised to promenade with them later.

At the Jordan residence she passed a line up of suitors, and went straight to the drawing room. Niylah had tea set up, and she helped herself to a cup. Jasper leaned over the table to speak with her but it was brief. He tipped in some brandy, and said he had some calling to do of his own. He took her apology flowers with him, as he left. What a character indeed.

“She thought you were asking her out. Like officially courting."

She sighed, and then looked over to Costia, and one of the many suitors. “So that was what that look was for.”

“Time,” Niylah said, ringing a bell. “Bring in the next one.”

After a couple more suitors, Wells came in. “Am I to believe you are courting Lady Jordan?” Wells asked.

“No. Just enjoying tea. Are you here to court Costia?” Clarke asked.

Wells shook his head. “These are for you Lady Jordan. I believe they were once your favorite” Wells stated as he handed the flowers to Niylah.

Clarke looked over to Costia, but she turned away from her. “Let’s all grab lunch shall we?''Clarke proposed and Niylah quickly sent in the last of Costia’s suitors, as they finished their tea.

They ate at her cafe. Costia couldn't hold her eye. When Wells excused himself, Clarke spoke up. “I apologize for leading you on. I wished to speak to you, to find out more about my mate.”

“Is that why you never married my sister?" Costia asked.

“Yes,” Niylah answered for her. “I will always love Clarke, and she will always love me, but marrying someone who has already found their mate will only lead to heartache. It hurt so much at first, but I moved on."

"But you're not happy,” Costia argued.

"I am learning to be. Besides, maybe Wells could be my mate. He was much too shy to speak to me when we were children.” Niylah tried to lighten the mood.

“You would know if he was. Clarke has barely spoken to her mate, and she knows it's her.”

“Who is she Costia.” Clarke begged. "I don’t care if she is some kitchen maid. I just want to know her name.” Clarke lowered her voice. "And if you both love each other I shall step aside. The Queen wants me back in service.”

“But you may die.” Costia had tears that started to form in her eye. “She sends so many soldiers, and only a quarter of them return.

Clarke handed her her pocket square, and gently helped her wipe away her tears. “It would make things easier.”

“For who?” Niylah asked. "You can't be serious.”

She looked to Niylah now. “My mate loves another. I can step away for I know that her lover is kind enough to care for her. I just wish for a name to whisper upon my final breath,” Clarke held Costia's hand and then rubbed her thumb across the fingers that were inside of her mate.

“Lexa.” Costia said and Clarke got up. Clarke jumped in her carriage before Wells could return, and called upon the Queen.

“Am I to believe that I am your mate? Where are the flowers, the puppies, the chocolates,” Queen Becca teased.

Clarke remained standing as the Queen stood. “Have you made a decision about the Collins lands?” Clarke asked as she looked at the painting of the Queen and her family, when they were younger.

“I have had no better offers. Your lands are adjacent. Consider it a retirement gift. You can be the first Baron Griffin. Others have dual titles, as rare as it is. Perhaps you and that mate can give it to your children.”

She looked to the Queen, and laid her heart bare. “I would like Lady Costia Greene to be released from your service to settle on the estate."

“She is your mate?” The Queen asked, sitting at the edge of her chair.

“My mate's lover. I fear my mate wants nothing to do with me. I ask you to let them both reside on the estate in peace. My money from the Americas is enough, they never have to worry about money.”

“Should I worry about how you came into such wealth?”

“I simply capitalized on my time traveling for you. I am sure I have increased your wealth as well.”

“That you have,” the Queen smiled and touched the diamonds around her neck. “So you will set up your mate, and your mate's lover in a nearby estate. And your wife will be fine with it?"

Clarke shook her head. “I won't be retiring if you still have need of me.”

“Killing yourself would be quicker."

“Dying for my Queen and the ones that I love would be more honorable."

The Queen did a line of snuff, and then offered some to her, but she refused. “Fine. Go to Germany, kill my granddaughter's fiancé, and bring her here. I can’t have Russia and Germany allying.”

“I didn’t know you had a granddaughter in Germany.”

“Russia, but her family is in Germany for the wedding. So be quick about it, and hopefully I can find her a match on English soil.”

The Queen had her pick out jewels for the princess. Clarke had met her once before apparently but in Greece. She was drunk the entire time she was in Greece. So many women, lots of wine, and great food. Clarke raced to the docks with a prized steed, and a sparkling pink diamond necklace. She was going to Germany.

Dear mother,

I am writing from the palace to inform you that I shall be away on the Queen's orders. I shall fill you in upon my return but I think its best you prepare Aden in case something happens to me. All my love to you and my siblings, blood and otherwise. Check the top drawer of the dresser.

General Griffin

Chapter Text

By now you have all likely heard about various engagements. We are pushing past the start of the season, as our couples build something that will either stand the test of time or crumble.

So far the couple to look out for is Octavia Blake and Lincoln Trigeda. A love match, and true mates. Could they be any happier? It doesn’t look like it.

The former sweetheart of Duke Griffin has been seen out with Wells Jaha. Could the shy lord have loved her all along? I doubt it. Not much sparkle there, but they do seem to enjoy one another's company. That is sometimes all it takes.

With the Queen announcing a ball dedicated to presenting her heir, the Griffins were quick to cancel the masked ball. Likely relieved as the Duke has once again disappeared. Where is the Queen keeping her? In her bedchambers perhaps?

Like the Duke is not to care. They had no problem breaking the heart of Costia Greene, who has fled from court and to the country. One less eligible maiden ladies, and so many more of you flooding the market in hopes to catch her eye. It is not a dowry the Duke is after but a mate.

Princess, and Princes alike are flocking to the ball. Queen Becca has called in nieces, nephews, and kin from all over Europe and beyond. But getting an invitation to said ball will only be passed down to the most prominent of families.

Abby Griffin once took the Ton by storm. An American beauty, who passed on those genes to her children. Her parents have once again stepped foot on British soil, and they bring with them their unmarried son and heir. Will the railway prince be a match for the princess?

A clash of old money and new has made its way into society, and with it comes change. And there is one thing to be said about change. It’s inevitable.

Lady Whistledown

—--------------------------------------

At the Griffin household Abigail clutched a letter, and crumbled another in her other hand. The Griffin matriarch stormed about the house, and was ill prepared for her day.

“Raven, you are to meet with the Queen. She is hosting a ball. I need to make sure that it isn’t a snuff on our own ball. We should cancel it anyway. The princess coming out is a big thing, and we won’t want to miss it.” Abby directing spurring herself into action.

“Bellamy prepare for the barn raising. Go order everything you need, and call upon Lincoln to join you. It will save me from having to watch Octavia for the next week.” Abby ordered.
“Reese, Charlotte, tell the staff to stop the preparations.”

“Aden,” she said looking at her only son. “Go with Marcus, and speak to the headmaster of Eton, and invite him to dinner.” She gave him a kiss on the head, and he raced off to follow her like the rest of the siblings.

“What about me?” Octavia asked.

Abby sighed. They needed to head to the dress maker. Octavia's dress was going to be her gift to the new bride. That would have to wait though. More important matters needed to be attended to.

“You need to watch Madi. Help the girls remove the decorations, and then you can come up with games for the estate party. Maybe you can even invent your own. Lord knows you kids take Pall Mall too seriously.” Abby ordered.

“What will we be doing?” Callie asked her.

Abby grabbed her friend's hand and called for a carriage. They went down to the docks and made inquiries about the latest ship that left. Clarke left for Germany. The Duke was most recognizable. Before she could walk away, her brother called out to her, from aboard a strange looking ship.

“Abby is that you!!”

“Oh Steven it’s Abby,” her mother cried out.

Her parents came off the ship, and Abby called over her men to help remove their luggage. They would take it round to the house and pick them up at the cafe.

“So Clarke owns these buildings?” Her brother Steve asked her. Steven and Steve… It could get confusing. She was even named after her mother.

Callie fanned herself like the flirt she was. Not in want of a husband, but always appreciative of attention. Abby loved her friend's quick wit and level head. She had been a staple of their household since Jake died, and Clarke ran off to college.

“Yes. And she has a stake in the businesses as well,” Callie said for her.

“Clarke owns a street in Jamestown, another in Plymouth and Jersey city.” Her brother told her things she had no idea of.

Her mother cleared her throat. "Don't forget St. Augustine dear.”

“Ha,” her father slammed his hand on the table. "Get this. A young Clarke on her tour of the America’s started with us, and I sent her away with a guide, and some money. Your daughter returned a few months later and gave me the money back with interest. Not like this lazy mutt,” Her father teased her younger brother.

“The brat earned it back by playing cards.” Steve declared, and then took a sip from his flask.

Her mother hit her son with her fan. “No, she didn’t. Clarke bought lands, and traded favors. She even stopped British forces from invading, so the town practically indebted itself to her. And do not forget about her building in Manhattan. It sells all the British goods, it has turned quite a profit hasn't it Steven?” Her mother asked, turning towards her father.

Abby watched as her father grew a slow smile. “Clarke invested wisely. Land is the ultimate investment, businesses second. Stock in things like my railway, and the coffee trade. All smart American investments. Don’t be mad at Steve dear. It’s just as likely our fortune will be going to Clarke."

“Hey I have that steamship. It's the transportation of the future. You have your railway. I have my ships. Clarke has bloody hands, but that doesn’t matter. All Americans who have money like us have them. Grandfather certainly knew how to get rid of rivals and enemies.”

Abby focused on one part of her brother's speech. Blood on her hands.

“All of the British nobility does as well love,” Callie said trying to boost the mood.

“Clarke has blood on her hands?” Abby asked.

Her father waved it off as her mother sipped on her tea. Clearly used to some things being men’s or Alpha business, and when to stay quiet.

“Best get it out before we greet the rest of Abby's horde.” Her brother said.

“Clarke dueled a man. In New York.”

“An Alpha prick,” her brother cut off her father.

“Be that as it may, it was more appreciated than anything.” Her mother nodded.

Her father reached across the table to grab her hand. "The guy was a criminal Abby. Stole materials from many building sights, smuggled arms into the city. Raped a new Omega a night. Clarke is a doctor as you know so she tried to save one of the girls. She didn't survive, not many did after he was through with em. Clarke and a couple of the higher ups that came from affluent families followed him out of the bar and caught him.”

“This guy fires off a shot at her, and Clarke Clarkes it in the arm before asking for an official duel. She put up her businesses against his. His entire crime family was there. The guards were there. Hell, I was there.” Her brother said.

"What happened next?” Callie asked.

“It is quite a story,” her mother agreed.

“Well this Paxton gangster had shot her in her left arm. Everyone knew of Clarke. She had made quite a name for herself. So he agreed to the duel. Her business, for his. Clarkes buildings had just started to turn a profit. Goods were coming in from Britain and beyond. The man only had a construction company, thugs, and slave labor. He took the deal.”

“So Steven and I were woken up by the solicitor. I wasn’t going to let Clarke die alone. I tried to argue her out of it, but your daughter is stubborn. The solicitor reviewed the documents along with a few others. Wills were signed, and sealed. The mayor even came out believe it or not,” said her mother.

“Isn't this illegal?” Callie asked.

Her father just shrugged. “They wanted him gone. His men all had guns on them. Our side was all armed as well. A lot of young men lost sisters to that criminal. The street was busier than I have ever seen it. They stepped away from one another, and Paxton fired a dirty shot. Clarke took it to the shoulder, as she was turning but didn't stop her momentum. She shot him in the face.”

“Then your daughter made all of his thugs submit to her. She had them toss their weapons into a pile, and flat out killed the ones who refused. All of them quickly realized how serious it was. Some fled. Others stayed, including the man's pregnant wife.” Her brother said.

“Little Hope is a sweetheart, they live a few doors down, and Charmaine checks in on some of Clarkes riskier investments.” Her mother said.

“Whores,” her brother smiled.

Abby was shocked. Her daughter murdered a man. Clarke was some sort of millionaire savior, and invested in so many types of businesses she was likely richer than her father. “Whore’s don’t sink into the ocean.” Her father glared at her brother, then turned to his wife. "Sorry dear for the language."

“No need. It’s the world's oldest profession.” Her mother said to her shock.

“Is Clarke rich? How come Marcus never told you?” Callie asked Abby and her parents.

“Clarke’s personal account rivals my own thanks to the growing returns. Especially with the war finally over. But make no mistake, they are personal accounts. The money doesn't come from the estate, and never did. Each of your children has a trust Abby.” Her father explained.

"As will each of Steve’s if he ever has them,” Her mother added.

Her head was spinning. Somehow she was shoved into the carriage, and rode the rest of the way back to the house. She wasn't expecting her parents until the end of the week. Steam travel was faster than she could have ever imagined. By the time it was dinner Callie had pulled her from her silent state and she stared at her brother.

“If that ship is as fast as you say, then I want you to go to Germany to pick up Clarke, Steven,” she told her brother using his full name so he knew she was serious.

“Ha,” her brother laughed. “Anyone else for a trip to Germany? I heard the Prince is getting married.” Her brother explained.

Dinner was rather lively but she went over it in her head. The one person she could talk to about it was Raven but she hadn't returned from the Queens. If there was to be news she would have been back already.

The next morning she woke up her brother. Marcus had ordered wood for the fire of the ship, and it was being loaded. All there was left to do was add her brother to the mix. She found him abed with one of the maids of the house. She was embarrassed he certainly wasn’t.

“How will she even know I am there?” He asked.

“Well if you hurry you can make that royal wedding and I am sure my daughter will find you. Bring her back here in one piece."

“So you can kill her yourself. Got it.” He said before waltzing out the door.

During the families fast breaking, her father pulled Aden aside, and her mother doted on the girls. They left with the children leaving her with Octavia, and Raven who returned with another letter from the Queen. This one a personal invitation to her ball.

"Octavia take Marcus, and bring a letter to the Queen for me.” Abby said as she went to the desk to write it.

Why not extend a personal invitation to the country house. Perhaps the Queen would leave her castle. One for the future Queen as well not to be rude. It was a month away, but best to give them time to decide if they would cancel it with another of their last minute events.

“And do give this to the princess,” Abby said, taking a necklace Clarke had sent her from New York. She didn't want it anymore knowing what it cost her daughter. “I don't want the Queen to think we are not appreciative of the time she has given us.”

With Octavia out of the house she went to the Lord's study, and filled Raven in, on everything that Clarke didn’t tell them. Raven had been keeping things from them as well. Anya the guard of the Queen disclosed more to Raven than the letters had which explained a lot.

They pulled out a man of the world, and started to pin things down. Clarkes schooling wasn't just at Oxford. Well she was there for two years, and then seemed to disappear. Along with one of the professors. But he was easier to track down. Raven caught his name on a letter Clarke received at the house.

“Where is the Zoo? London doesn't have a zoo.” Callie said, reading the letter.

“I think I know where.” Raven said, and then pointed to a map of their large estate.

"Why would a zoo be all the way out there? I think I would know if there was a zoo on my lands.” She argued.

“Time to find that Gorilla,” Callie laughed. “Oh what fun. Clarke surely has been busy.”

“But why do we want to speak to this doctor?” Raven asked.

“Because Clarke is a doctor. She got a degree from a school she rarely attended. This man likely taught her everything he knew.”

“Christ, I think the Claude fellow might know more about Clarke than we do.” Raven sighed in understanding.

“Oh this is going to be fun. I quite like the drama,” Callie spoke honestly and it lightened the mood a bit.

"She isn’t my little girl anymore,” Abby cried into her friend's shoulder as Raven packed up her bags.

The following days went by in a blur. Her parents had spoiled her children rotten. Likely they would continue to do so all summer long. She was too tired reading through previous correspondence from her daughter. The maps started to fill out but she was left with more questions than answers.

On the evening of the princesses coming out ball. She was dressed in her finest dress. Her father and mother each had a daughter on their arm. Aden walked with her, as Madi and Octavia walked together. All of them would be in attendance for it, and thankfully her brother wouldn't be there to tell stories. The last thing she wanted in Whistledown was stories of her daughter.

“Thank you for the invitation, your Grace,” Abby bowed in front of the throne.

“How fares your family?” The Queen asked.

Her mother spoke for her. Decorum be damned. “Separated at the moment. Our son Steven is on the way to pick up Clarke from Germany.”

It was the first time in her life she noticed the Queen falter slightly. “The Duke is a loyal servant of the Crown. I look forward to her swift return much like yourselves.”

They bowed, and then stepped to the side. Octavia and Lincoln lined up with Indra next. She was surprised when Anya stepped up beside her. “A moment,” the Alpha said.

Anya took her outside of the ballroom, and over to a deserted corridor. “I wish to ask for Raven's hand.”

“You should speak to Clarke about that."

“But you are her mother,” Anya grabbed her arm, and looked into her eyes. “Jacob Griffin claimed her as his to protect you. She smells more of you than him. You are closer than a mother would be with with her husband's bastard.”

“I hate that word. One of my fathers associates took liberties with me, and I gave birth to her in France. I of course told Jake. I told him before we were married, and he found her and made up a story. By that time I was expecting Clarke. They were so sweet together growing up. Even with Kent.”

“We all lost people to the spring sickness, but I am sorry for your loss.”

“You want to marry my daughter?” Abby asked her once more. When Anya nodded, she put on the sternest face she could muster. “Then you will get me an audience with the Queen. You will show up tomorrow with something Raven likes, and you will tell me everything you know about Clarke. I am not losing another child.” She stormed away from the Alpha who knew her most closely guarded secret.

Reese was dancing with her grandfather, while Charlotte spoke to Costia near the Queen. Madi and Aden were standing near the sweets table with her mother. While Callie was over with Indra. Perhaps a partnership could happen there. Callie certainly eyed the older Alpha up at her ball.

“Ah,” Indra stated, as the doors to the ballroom opened up. Abby stepped up beside them quickly as the announcer tapped a metal rod into the ground.

“Princess Alexandria, Daughter of the late Prince Alexander. Granddaughter of the Queen, and heir to the throne.” He stated.

Anya followed behind the Princess, and as she walked by they all bowed before her. They were all interrelated somehow. She remembered Jake showing her a family tree once, but somehow he was related to the Omega husband of the Queen's stepson. She remembered attending their wedding. The Queen had lost many relations over the years.

Alexandria was beautiful. Her hair fell in curls, and her dress was white with green trim. The train that dragged behind her was quite long. She would certainly have trouble dancing but perhaps she didn't want to. When she sat beside the Queen one could see the resemblance, in the way they held themselves. She motioned for them to rise, and her grandmother called for the musicians to play.

Abby watched as Anya whispered in her ear. The Queen's cold stare moved to her, and she gave her one back. There was no way in hell she was sending her daughter off again. Clarke promised the season so she would be here for the season. Abby held her stare long after Anya spoke to her. The Queen didn't look away, and after the dance ended she nodded. She got her meeting.

Of course another Whistledown came after the ball. One always did. A bit about her parents and the railway. Some about Octavia, and Lincoln because Bellamy and him were still at the Blake estate preparing for a barn raising. Bonding would do them good.

Another bit about the Princess. She certainly was beautiful. Though she rejected every single suitor that asked her to dance. Much to the ire of the Queen. But the Queen flat out didn't let some approach.

Then there was the bit about her children. Charlotte was asked to be a lady in waiting for the Queen to replace Costia. Of course that caused problems with her girls. Reese had always been the forward one of the bunch. It pained her to watch her sister pack, but maybe it was for the best. Reese had no trouble meeting Lords, and making conversation. Charlotte was the quiet one, of her bunch.

“Charlotte gets to leave, that's not fair,” Reese whined.

Thankfully Callie saved her from answering, her head was already pounding from listening to them. “You know your sister wouldn't be moving into your husband's estate with you. No matter your views on the matter. It’s best to stitch the wound now.”

“The Countess is right dear,” Her mother said, tapping her hand.

She made up a plate for herself, and had just finished eating when Marcus brought Anya in.
“Raven isn’t here,” Abby smiled at the folded bouquet of metal flowers. She grabbed it and went into Raven's room.

“Where is she? She wasn’t at the ball last night.”

“Raven is getting Doctor Santiago. I want to hear about my daughter's travels from him. And you,” Abby growled pushing her back into Raven’s bed. “You want to marry my daughter, you come with me and tell me everything you know of my daughters travels.”

Her threat was received, and Anya spilt her guts. Clarke rose to the ranks of commander not for leading an army but for being a fucking assassin. Well she had clearly been in the army, but what battles she fought in were unclear. She was a doctor and they used her to spy, to kill, and to send messages.

“That doesn’t sound like my Clarke.”

“Your Clarke was drowning her sorrows. I gave her purpose. Then the Queen took notice of her skills, and I lost control over where she was positioned.”

“The Americas?”

“The Queen wanted to know about the war first hand. And she needed certain people dealt with.”

“Paxton McCreary?” Abby pressed. Anya balked and she knew she hit a nerve.

“Was an assigned target, as well as mapping the lands and trade routes.”

“Napoleon?” Abby growled. It was one connection she had made. Clarke’s letters from France came coincidentally before his death, and she was near there.

“I can’t tell you everything. I don't know everything. But his death saved hundreds of thousands of British lives.”

“But McCreary?”

“Stole from the tower of London, and was robbing British ships because he knew the Americans didn’t care that much about us. He was scum.”

“I heard.” Abby said as she watched Anya add a few more pins to her board as well as dates.

“You should speak to the Queen.”

“So should you if you wish to marry my daughter. I won't have any of my family traveling the country murdering people as they go. Why did Clarke leave? She promised she would stay.”

“Only the Queen knows.”

Anya escorted herself and Charlotte into the castle. Her daughter presented herself before the Queen and Costia took her by hand. They would be traveling with the Princess to Costia’s new residence. Sadly she didn’t get a chance to ask her where it was but she would write to her, and check in. She had helped her daughters so much this season.

“Out with it,” the Queen demanded after dismissing her guards.

“YOU TURNED MY DAUGHTER INTO A MURDERER!!” Abby screeched, and the guards came running back in. The pheromones she was pumping out weren’t threatening but they were strong. She was pissed off.

“Clarke has killed many times before. I just assisted in her training, and covered her tracks. You don't truly think Lord Collins had a heart attack at his age without a little help.” Becca spoke and Abby was stunned.

The Queen rose quickly and guided her to a chair. “I admire someone who protects their children. I have other grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, but none are Alexandria. I raised her up, and I would burn everything around me to protect her.”

“Why did Clarke leave? She promised to stay for the season, and Anya said you have the answer.”

“Perhaps we should have a drink,” the Queen called for her servant, and drinks were brought to them. The Queen shared her bottle of brandy. They were not nipping it, but she tossed it back. She was an American and proud of it.

“Clarke first murdered the Jordan Lord… I investigate the deaths of all my Lords, and Ladies. Just to be cautious. She was smart. Calculated. It took Anya a year to solve it. I was looking for companions for Alexandria, and Costia was of age so I called her to court. They became fast friends, and like girls their age they talked. My granddaughter told Anya, and Anya figured it out.”

“Niylah’s husband. Clarke wasn’t jealous. She was the one that stepped away when she thought he was going to ask for her hand."

The Queen took back a drink like she did and Abby refilled their glasses. “Lord Jordan touched Costia. Clarke caught them, and promised him in front of her she wouldn't tell. Clarke dosed his driver with a sleeping tea, a month later. Then once he fell asleep she outrode the carriage, and murdered him.”

“How do you know this?"

“Clarke told me."

“And then you decided to train her?”

“Then I had Anya attend Oxford. Anya trained her. Small missions at first while vacationing. Then I hired her professor to travel with her. He completed her education, as Clarke carried out various missions to keep this country safe. I am rather fond of Clarke.”

Abby took a minute to take it all in. The Queen, fond of her daughter. Her sweet baby girl avenging others. Frankly she didn't care about the people she killed. It was the toll that it took. When Jake returned from being called to war, he was broken. Especially by the news of the loss of their son.

“If you are so fond of her, why did she leave? Be honest with me. Parent to parent. Not Queen to subject.”

The Queen sighed, and then swore her to secrecy. “Clarke found her mate. Her mate is with another, and that other had her eyes on Clarke. It’s a bit of a love triangle really. Anyways Clarke bowed out. Quite frankly she has given up. So instead of allowing her to get herself killed, she is bringing over my other granddaughter Princess Josephine of Russia.”

“And then what?” Abby asked, worrying about where Clarke was going to be sent next.

“Well she has to kill her betrothed before they marry. Josphine doesn’t wish to marry him, so she will likely wish to thank her savior. I was told they spent a month together in Greece. Anya doubts Clarke remembers it though. It was after I had her murder the Pope. Clarke was quite fond of him.”

“I’m Catholic. We are going to hell. We are so going to hell," Abby muttered before drinking the last of the brandy.

“More Brandy!!” The Queen shouted. “And cakes!!”

Once she wrung out her hands she looked at the Queen. “And where will Clarke be sent once she returns with your granddaughter?”

“Well, since they know each other intimately, I plan to use Josephine to make Clarke’s mate jealous. So I will simply order Clarke to show her around London. To be her escort to every ball she wished to attend. I shall essentially cage your daughter for a season, and keep other maidens from approaching.”

“What if Clarke wishes to marry a princess?”

The Queens men brought in cakes, and another bottle. The Queen poured this time, and they clinked glasses before downing the hatch. “I have no doubt Clarke will marry a Princess. You sent me an invitation to your soiree, but so did Clarke, and I invited many to come to the castle and we will be attending your event. I hope your estate has the room. I heard you already have a full house.”

“My parents merely being in a room fills it, but they will be delighted to tell their friends, they slept in the same house as the Queen. So your plan is to make Clarkes mate jealous. But who is Clarkes mate?”

The doors to the drawing room opened, and in walked the princess. Hair down in a simple dress. Costia was following behind her holding her hand. “Duchess, my Queen,” Costia said, bowing before them.

“I am ready to leave, grandmother.” Alexandria said to her.

Costia came over to her, dropping her friend's hand. “I would just like to thank Clarke for her kindness, of loaning me the Collins estate.”

Everything clicked into place, and the Queen caught her eye. Costia liked Clarke, but clearly also liked the Princess. The Princess loves Costia, and doesn’t wish for her to marry Clarke.
“I promise to attend the Griffins Soiree” The Princess told her grandmother. “Even though I do not wish to attend.”

"Okay dear,” Abby heard the Queen say.

“Duchess is everything alright?” Costia asked.

Oh Costia. You sweet sweet girl. “Do you mind taking me back to my estate dear. I have something for your new home,” she smiled, understanding the painting she found in Clarkes room, and why Costia’s name was written on the back of it.

“Take the Duchess in your carriage Alexandria,” the Queen ordered, and Costia helped her to her feet.

“I shall treat you to some American booze when we next meet. I appreciate the chat, my Queen.” Abby said graciously.

The carriage ride back to her house was a somber one. Alexandria didn’t speak, and Costia made idle conversation about dresses, and whatnot. When they arrived back at the estate she invited both girls inside. The princess refused, but Costia convinced her otherwise.

"We have a full house so please excuse any mess you come across,” Abby said nicely.

She then led both of the girls into the house and straight into Clarke’s room. Her Alpha stench was all over everything. If the Queen could play the jealousy card, she would endear the girl to her daughter and her scent. She could already see them both inhaling deeply. The princesses' cold demeanor changed as she took in the room.

Abby pretended like she didn't know exactly where it was. “Here it is,” Abby smiled when she noticed Lexa brush her hands over a sketch that looked an awful lot like her. That smile grew when she flipped the pages and more images of her came up. Thankfully Costia's attention was on her.

“It’s beautiful,” Costia said.

“Your daughter is an artist?” The Princess asked hesitantly.

“And a doctor, business owner, a duke, and every Omegas dream.” Costia sighed and Lexa scowled.

Abby cleared her throat and Costia apologized. “You don't have to come to our family estate if you do not wish to attend your grace. My son is likely to be the next Duke of Arkadia. Clarke seems hell bent on getting herself killed, so I understand if you do not wish to be associated with such an unstable family.”

Alexandria's eyes shot to her at the mention of Clarkes mission to kill herself. Abby put on a good show of crying and acting apologetic, and Costia enveloped her in a hug, and started to cry.

“I don’t know what to say,” Costia cried.

She pulled back from the girl and grabbed one of Clarkes handkerchiefs and handed it to her. “Say you will be happy. Clarke sold herself back into service so that you, and her mate could live a life without worry,” Abby said, pretending she had no idea who Clarkes mate really was. Because from what she gathered Clarke had no idea her mate was the future Queen of the realm.

“She didn’t need to do that,” Costia said. “She won’t return. Not many do.”

Abby took the girl to the study and then showed her the will. She was teary eyed, so the princess read everything for her. They needed to know what Clarke did for them.

“Raven Griffin and Anya Franko get my Manse in the sunshine Peninsula St Augustine, and the buildings and shares from the modiste and bakery. Reese inherits my British good store in Manhattan, and Charlotte receives my construction business. Each can decide on a floor of my tower that is currently under construction. Madi inherits all imported animals and will train under Doctor Santiago if she wishes, as well as my manse in Louisiana. Aden shall have my titles, and his second child will inherit the Collins seat, and business that Uncle Steven can take him to when he comes of age. My shares shall be split amongst my siblings equally. Bellamy, Octavia, Raven, Reese, Charlotte, Aden and Madi.

To Niylah Green I leave half a million pounds so she may never have to worry about money, and to her sister, I leave the same. Both accounts are already in their names. Grandpa Steven can help them retrieve the funds, as executor of my will. “

Abby knew there was more added. She had read it the other day with Callie finally working up the courage to open it.

“Costia Green shall live out her days at Collins house. She will use the income from the estate to make it a refuge for herself, her chosen, and others like her. Raven and Marcus shall rework the land so it incurs income. She will also turn over the next items to my mate as she knows her identity.”

Alexandria stopped, but Costia didn't stop crying. “Does the Duke really have that much money?”

Raven came sweeping in the room then. “That and more. Read the last part. That’s my favorite.” Raven bit out. Obviously her daughter read it. Raven was angry about something. Clearly things didn’t go to plan with the doctor.

“What does it say?” Costia asked.

Alexandria handed the papers back to her, but she didn’t read them. Instead she shoved them back in the drawer and hoped that she wouldn’t have to go through that heart break.

“For I know when to accept defeat. To my mate. I have loved you since I first met you at Lady Anya’s estate. I was ready to give up titles, and rank. I built up my wealth knowing I would renounce it all when I finally found you again. I am not sure if you remember meeting me. I was 16, and you were likely 8. I love you. I accept you. My heart will forever be yours.

As will my Estates in Burgundy, and Champagne in France. My estate in Athens and Santorini, Greece. The Tuscan Villa in Italy as well as the Lazia estate. A manse along the Rhine in Germany. All those locations have working vineyards, and are known for their beauty, but nothing eclipses your own. Remember that.

Now onto the businesses. Two distilleries in the americas, one in Ireland, an apartment building in Manhattan, New Orleans, a strip of houses in Philadelphia, and Boston. The estate in India is rented out to the crown as is the one in Australia. Then there are 3 farms in the Irish countryside, near the distillery.

Next to the land. Roughly 100,000 acres scattered across Upper and Lower Canada, and nearly 200,000 between various united colonies in the Americas. 50,000 in Australia, 5,000 in Africa and India. 1,000 in Scotland and Wales.

My wealth is yours. Do with it as you see fit, because if you are reading this, If Costia brought this to you, I am dead. I hope that you will be happy. Maybe travel the world. I wanted you to have that option. Your name will be the last name on my lips.

May we meet again, Lexa.

All my love Clarke”

Abby put a hand on the door, and opened it up. Raven left in tears. How her daughter managed to remember everything she knew not. Raven was smarter than Clarke in a lot of ways. Both of them have the same stubbornness.

“But your daughter isn't dead,” the Princess stated like it was the most logical thing.

Costia swallowed whatever emotions she had and looked at her friend colder than before. “But she wants to be. There is nothing more honorable than dying for one's country. Excuse us Duchess but we must be going.”

Abby walked them to the front door and held Costia back as Lexa went into the carriage. “The Collins estate is in shambles. Stop at the Blake estate, they likely have spare builders, if Clarke hasn't already sent some. Which she likely did. If you ever need anything Costia my door is always open.”

Raven came out to watch them leave. She waved to Costia as she wiped away her tears. Abby hugged her daughter close, and then brought her inside. Thankfully the children were out, and she had herself a good cry with her eldest daughter.

Anya came round the next day, to call on her daughter… Well before the mourning period was over. Much to the delight of her parents, and friends. Anya joined them for supper, and told them tales of being in school with Clarke. How Aden would likely love Eton, so on and so forth.

Life was moving forward, but she couldn't get Clarke out of her mind. Her poor baby. She would make time for just the two of them when she returned. She would show interest in that Gorilla, and whatever else made her happy, and she would make every day count.

For a mate that gets rejected is an awful feeling, and she wasn’t there for her sister, when hers rejected her, and she died not long after. Her family had a history of taking one's own life. She wouldn’t add her children to that list.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5 - Clarke

Clarke knew she had to be quick about it. She arrived the day before the wedding in the middle of the feast. Josie recognized her immediately. Which was a good thing because the Princess demanded that she have rooms within the crowded keep.

The Prince was a drunkard. It didn't take her long to figure out where his rooms were. The longest part about her mission was the fact that she left a certain Greek Princess in her bed. She needed an alibi, and Luna clung to her much to Josies annoyance.

Once Luna was asleep she climbed up a wall, and then jumped down into the balcony. To her shock he wasn’t alone. She had to change tactics. Thankfully she had back up plans, going up until the altar. If she married him she would be forced to stay. Clarke always completed a job, and this would be one, she completed.

Clarke injected the woman with a sleeping serum, and set her off to the side. She would wake up alone in the prince's bed. Next she grabbed a pillow and smothered him with it, as she mentally added his name to the 300 or so other lives she had taken. Now he wouldn’t scream when he fell. Clarke set up a glass drink outside, lifted him up and threw him over the ledge, as she jumped down into the balcony of Luna's room.

It was a bad landing. It would be hard to usher away the Princess. She had a letter from the Queen, for her son Russel Lightbourne congratulating them, and she would wow the Princess with her zoo to make her want to visit England. it likely wouldn’t take much convincing.

Luna woke up when Clarke pressed kisses on her back. Likely they would be woken up soon. Having someone walk in on them would be for the best. She was quick to undress, but it took her awhile to get hard. She had to think of brown hair and green eyes. It pained her, but Lexa… Whoever she was rejected her. Otherwise she wouldn’t have left.

The Omega rolled on top of her, and rode her. Clarke thrusted her hips, and was thankful for not having to put in more work. She would tip them out of bed when someone came in and fake the injury then.

“So insatiable. We should have brought Josie in. She will be so jealous,” Luna said before sucking a mark onto her chest.

Clarke moaned at the attention, and hoped she would mark her with another and another. That way they would see it was her choice. Not that either Luna or Josie were virgins when she had them. She refused to bed a virgin. That was a special gift for someone less of a rake. For someone that could provide an Omega with something more than a good time.

“Clarke,” Luna moaned.

Her scent changed slightly. It turned more needy, as Clarke focused on pleasing her lover. She caressed Luna’s bundles of nerves, and the Omega came but didn’t stop.

“Oh yes. Yes. It's so big,” Luna moaned, and her scent turned heated, and before she could get her off of her, Luna took her knot. She was so focused on everything other than sex that she ignored the signs.

Clarke tapped her thigh as the Omega came around her sucking and nipping at her breasts. Luna was breathing heavily and would likely pass out soon. She needed her to stay awake. Her hearing was likely far superior to someone in heat. Already shouts were sounding, bells started to ring.

She thrusted into the Omega and gently pushed her upper body up so that she could hold her by her breasts. “Oh Omega. We are far from done,” Clarke purred, and then started to knead her breasts as she held her up by them.

“Do they have to start celebrating now,” Luna growled, and found a second wave of energy, and started to move again.

The Omega mewled and whined. Clarke may have knotted but she had yet to come. “Please Clarke,” Luna begged.

“Sweet Omega. Tell me what you need,” Clarke teased, pushing out herself and turning into the assassin she dubbed Wanheda. It meant the commander of death, and that side of her usually took over on missions. She was no longer Clarke Griffin when she worked for the Queen, it was the only way she thought to protect what remained of herself.

“Fill me, please,” Luna begged.

Clarke had her screaming so that everyone in the rooms beside them knew exactly what she was doing. She was eventually brought to the edge, and she came inside of the moaning Omega right before royal guards entered her chambers.

The fucking greek princess was a voyeur. She moaned and didn't stop and simply asked them to leave. Clarke pushed out her scent threatening them to stop and Luna came on her cock as she looked at the guards. “Oh yes,” she moaned and bit her lip.

“I hope they won’t report anything to your mother.”

Luna leaned against her chest, and traced circled against it. “She encourages love making, in case you have forgotten” Luna purred as she kept moving. “I have had someone to help me through my heats since they started. Usually Omegas, she confessed.”

When the next person came into the room she flipped them onto the ground and twisted her leg, screaming in pain. It wasn’t a guard this time, but a very pissed off bride to be.

“My future husband is dead and my best friend is having the ride of her life,” Josie scowled but she didn't retreat. Instead she approached Luna who slipped from her cock. The Omega took her cum and tasted it.

“Father wants to leave, mother wants me to marry the fucking 5 year old. UGHHHH!” Josie stomped her foot and left.

Clarke inhaled quickly, for a few moments. Luna felt less hot to the touch. She went into her medical kit, and set everything up to brew her some tea. They needed to get out of here, and fast. It would be a long carriage ride back to the docks, and she already dreaded being around the petulant princess.

She presented herself to those gathered in the dining hall. She asked what happened, and Josephine practically fell in her arms. After a polite period she handed the girl to the father, and offered herself up to the rulers who had just lost their son. No they didn't need a doctor, and wished to be alone to grieve.

Russel Lightbourne wanted to head back to Russia. Simone, his wife, and Alpha wanted to stay and have her daughter marry the young Prince. She was good at negotiations, so she spoke calmly to them.

“The family is grieving. The Princess is also rather upset. Now is not the time to make hasty decisions. I would like to offer to take Princess Josephine and her companion the Princess Luna of Greece back with me to England. Our season hasn’t ended yet, and the Queen has invited other royalty for a final ball of the season. If you allow me to escort your daughter to my Queen, I can assure you she will be ready to marry again by the end of the season.”

“Please honey. My family will care for her. The Duke of Arkadia saved Josie from being abducted on her way to Greece. I trust the Duke,” The Omega man pleaded.

Simone looked her up and down. She didn't like her one bit. Not many Alphas trusted their Omega daughters with another Alpha. Especially one unmarried, and unmated.

“Think about it. I only planned to stay as long as the wedding, but I can extend my stay a few days. I have a manse on the Rhine I can stay at if you need longer.” Clarke offered.

Mentioning the manse had piqued Russels interest, and she had him hooked. Even Simone appreciated a German wine so she offered for them to stay at her estate on their travels back home if it wasn't out of the way.

Clarke spoke briefly to Josephine, and handed her a few sheets of paper from her note book. She convinced her to draw, as the body was brought in. It kept her from looking at it, as she sobbed and hiccupped. Simone approached them, and Clarke offered to brew her a calming tea. Simone agreed, and Clarke left for her room.

The water was ready for Luna and she set out three tin mugs, and set them up with herbs before pouring in the water. The Omega was currently asleep on the bed gently rocking into a pillow as she slept. After a few moments she woke her and set the tea on the bedside table.

“Moon tea, and a heat suppressant. Josie needs you. I offered to take both yourself and the Princess back to England with me to enjoy the last of the season.”

“I need your cock before you go,” Luna begged.

Clarke sighed. "I am brewing a calming draught for Josie which should make her sleep. After you speak with her, and help to calm her, I will fuck you into tomorrow if that is what you want.” Clarke offered and Luna bit her lip.

When she agreed Clarke took the cup over to Josephine and sipped from it first. Her mother nodded in respect to her, and helped to tip it down her daughter's throat. It calmed her down from the near hysterics she was in. Josie always wanted fancy things. Marrying the German prince would have likely made her an Empress down the road with the way things were headed in Germany.

Russel pulled her aside as his wife wrapped up her daughter in a hug. “I want your word that you will protect my daughter.”

“I am a general in her majesty's armyl, and a doctor. I shall protect her with my life, and make sure that nothing untoward happens to her.”

“Good,” He said, putting a hand on her arm. “I think we will stay at your estate if that is on offer.
Simone wants to continue negotiations, but they are grieving heavily,” Russel gestured to the royal family who looked truly devastated. The staff were already busy removing decorations

Luna came out and spoke to Josephine and Clarke left to write some letters. One to her estate to prepare them. It has been awhile since anyone had stayed there. She wanted to give them time to prepare. Another she wrote to the Queen, letting them know that the Prince had sadly fallen, mixed with compliments about him just in case they were read.

The staff helped her find couriers, and she sent a rider off straight away to her estate. He would be paid in a barrel of wine, have a hearty meal from the few staff she kept on to keep things running.

Upstairs food had started to trickle in but she didn't feel like eating. She grabbed a few things for Josephine, and Luna and brought them over to them. Josephine had drawn a portrait of her former betrothed, and then did one of the two of them.

Clarke truly had no idea if she loved the man or not, but she was putting on a good show if otherwise. When her parents brought her to bed, she escorted Luna to her chambers and fucked her brains out. Then she made her another heat suppressant tea for the following morning.

With the okay from Simone and Russell, she told Luna to pack a bag. She had one guard with her. A beta named Derrek who also had to pack, as he would be going with them. An Alpha named Jade would be accompanying Josephine, making the traveling party 5.

They left the following morning and Clarke paid her final respects to the family on behalf of her Queen.

Jade rode ahead, and Derrek drove the carriage. Their luggage was in a carriage behind them, stuffed to the brim. Josie had too many things. Luna was a minimalist in comparison.

“I want what was denied to me,”Josie jumped her as soon as they were in the country. Luna pinned her down with a kiss, and Clarke allowed them to have her way with her.

She needed to forget their faces. The mourning loved ones. So she let them suck her cock. She took turns fucking them as they fucked each other. She knotted Luna, and knotted Josie the following day, when she was sure that they wouldn't be stopped.

Why did carriages have to take so long? Eventually they got to take a train, and Clarke bought out an entire carriage. With a guard at each end, and threats from both Omegas she let them take her. If Jade or Derrek said anything she would kill them herself.

She drank and fucked for hours. Derrek had to move them along next. A few hours in a carriage again and they were on a train. Both Omegas were thoroughly fucked by the time they got off of the train.

“Clarke Griffin!!!” Her uncle shouted down the station.

Oh uncle Steven. She left the ladies and went to give him a hug. “I have been following you for days. Finally caught up on the train but your guards wouldn’t let me into your carriage.”

“Who is this?” Josephine asked.

Truly a fox that one. Cried her heart out thinking of an old horse that passed. Sobbing mess, wanted to have them think she would be sent to tears for weeks. It likely worked, as they didn’t care that she left.

“My mother isn’t from England, she is American. This is her brother. My uncle Steven Turco the third. Uncle this is Princess Josephine Lightbourne of Russia, and Princess Luna Floukru of Greece.”

He smiled and bowed, and kissed their hand. “Your mother sent me to fetch you. Have you ladies ever been on a boat that runs off of steam? It is the new way to travel,” Her uncle stated.
Clarke held her arm out to Luna and her uncle took Josephines as he led them over to a coffee stand. Clarke was on lookout as the guards grabbed the luggage and found them transportation to the docks.

Her uncle was snoring in the carriage as they made their way towards them. He was exhausted. The girls were not. Her uncle gave them each a room but it didn't matter. They found their way into hers, as soon as they left port.

Thankfully her uncle left her alone after he walked in on them. Clarke had to pull Jade off of him, and Derrek just shrugged. He didn't care. The trip was shorter than she expected, and Luna’s heat had ended at some point and Josies began. They were closer to her estate than to London so she had them travel there.

Josie and Luna feasted from each other and she watched. Josie had ordered her uncle into another carriage, and he didn't say a word. Likely she would get an earful later, and her mother was sure to hear about it. Hopefully the Queen sent her away before then.

“Fuck I missed this cock,” Josie moaned.

“Remember the time on the beach.” Luna asked.

Clarke had no recollection. “Remind me,” she said before capturing her lips.

They did. They reminded her right up until Jade banged on the carriage roof. Josie and Luna quickly dressed, and Clarke tucked herself away. The girls did their hair as Clarke looked out the carriage to see where they were. The Collins estate and it was just before dark.

“The keep is likely empty, but we need a place to stay for the night.”

The keep was not empty. They were greeted by one of the servants. They bowed to her, and she introduced the Princesses. Jade, and Derrek dragged in their things as the Beta housekeeper brought them to the only other rooms available. She didn't want to wake Costia. She didn't even want to be there.

Luna found her in the living room in front of the fireplace drinking heavily from a bottle of scotch. She gave her uncle Steven the rooms assigned to her, and went straight into the cellar. They wouldn’t stop her. Not when she owned the place.

“So let me get this straight. You found your mate. She is up there sleeping with the girl you gifted the house to, and you are down here crying your heart out because she rejected you?”Clarke could only nod in response. She drank more from the bottle and Luna took it from her. “You are too good for this world Clarke Griffin. I see you,” Luna said and turned her head to face her.

Clarke weeped as she held her. The Omega pumped out her scent blanketing her in it. She fell asleep with her head against Luna's lap. The Omega took the couch and Clarke woke when the servant cleaned out the fireplace. They apologized to her, and the Princess and scurried off.

“Let’s get going,” Clarke suggested as a needy Josie appeared and pushed her back down on the couch. Her heat pheromones were all over the place. Clarke pushed her onto Luna and the Omega scowled.

“Have the horses prepared,” she said to a passing servant. As she recalled the girls enjoyed riding and if they ditched the carriages they would be there in a couple hours.

Footsteps scurried down the stairs and she felt someone jump on her back tackling her to the floor. “Why didn't you have them wake me,” Costia whined.

“Get off the Alpha,” Josie seethed, as Luna pleasured her through her small clothes.
Costia looked between them at a loss for what to do. “I don’t care who she is, but that cock is mine first. She can have you after Luna.” Josie was frantic.

“Go,” Clarke pushed Costia off of her, as the staff scrambled around them. “Tell my uncle to meet us at the estate.”

“Clarke the Queen is there. Are you sure you wish to bring whoever that is with you?"

Josie stormed over to Costia, and threw her against the wall. “Either strip or leave,” Josie threatened. “My grandmother will be happy to see me, even if I am covered in your blood. Which I will be if you don’t strip or leave.”

“The horses are prepared,” an out of breath Derrek came into the room.

Luna ushered Josie out the door whispering promises of alone time, knots, and what have you. It was embarrassing. Even more so when her mate locked eyes with her.

“I am sorry for disturbing your time together.” Clarke said and scampered after the scent of heat.

Clarke knotted her as they rode. The Omega happily sated, and less demanding than before. Luna sent her a pitying look. Clarke knew she likely figured out it was her mate that came down. Both of them had reeked of morning pleasure, but Josie's pheromones overpowered their own.

“I thought you knew how to ride a horse by yourself,” Queen Becca scolded her granddaughter.

“Someone went into heat. Clarke was kind enough to brew her a suppressant, and blanket her with her pheromones.” Luna explained bowing before the Queen.

The Queen kept her granddaughter at arms length. No doubt smelling her all over the Omega. Luna she hugged kindly as the rest of her family bowed to them. “You haven’t visited in an age. How is your mother doing?”

“Very well thank you. I am sure she will be delighted to find out I am here. I hope you don’t mind that I joined them. The Duke has told me all about the balls, and soirees.”

“Well I am afraid things are much tamer in England, than Greece, and Russia,” The Queen gave her granddaughter a withering stare.

There was a long line of Omega all elegantly dressed. The Queen called them each forward. “The princess of Denmark and Sweden,” The Queen said. They looked like they could be sisters.

“They are cousins. Both have brought guardians to approve of suitable matches.”

When she kissed their hands Josie growled, and Luna elbowed her. “Pleasure to meet you both Princess and Princess. I look forward to getting to know you both better."

They bowed in turn to her, and the Queen went down the line, and she repeated the process for the Princesses of France, Monaco, Spain, and Bohemia. When the Queen finally released her she had to ask her mother where her chambers were now.

Apparently in a tent. Which she didn't mind one bit. The backyard was full of them, and Clarke rode down to the pond to wash away the stench of horse, and Omega. There were a set of clean clothes waiting for her, as she waded out of the water.

The Queen was sitting in the front yard with a host of Omega princesses. Josie ordered for a chair to be brought for her, and the Queen gestured for her to sit at the head of the table. “You are mourning,” the Queen hissed at her grandaughter.

“So. Why don't you tell us about the estate.” The Queen said, and then simply observed as the Princesses took turns asking her questions. She switched to the tongues that they spoke when she realized it would be easier. The Queen looked rather impressed for once and smiled over her wine.

"Your mother said that this is from your estate in France,” The princess from their land said, and praised the sparkling that the Queens men kept pouring them.

It got her talking about estates, and land. Travel’s here and there. Luna chimed in about her time in Greece, and the estate she had there. Eventually it started to get dark, and they were called inside to join the family for supper. Clarke excused herself from their company and spent time with her family.

“I have spoken to Doctor Santiago, and he is ready. Most of the guests have arrived. We are just waiting on Princess Alexandria,” Marcus explained to her when she managed to find him.

“Does she have a room?” Clarke asked.

“Your old room. The Queen is in your fathers chambers. Raven and Octavia are sharing a tent, as are Reese and Charlotte. Madi and your mother are sharing a chamber. Your grandparents are in a tent as is your uncle. Bellamy is sharing with Aden. The Queen brought quite a few ladies of high rank,” Marcus said tugging at his collar.

“You are doing amazing,” Clarke praised. “Let's give the Princess another day. Tell the guests tomorrow to prepare for a surprise after breaking their fast. That shall give us enough time to get there and back. Plan for a ball the following day with games in the morning to entertain the children that came.”

“Very well. Your mother wishes to speak to you, but she wants you to rest from your journey first.” Marcus explained.

There wasn't much rest to be had. Josie and Luna were naked in her tent when she arrived. The Omegas were pleasuring each other, and she knew just whose idea it was to find her tent. “Gag her,” Clarke ordered. Clarke knotted Josephine. Then Luna, and then Josephine a final time before falling asleep with both Princesses in her arms.

“Get out,” Josie growled and threw the pillow from under her head.

Clarke jolted awake to grab a knife, and jump over them. Her mother looked between the princesses and her in shock. “Leave now before I find you later and have my guard chop off your head,” Josephine threatened her mother, and Clarke growled at her, and forced her into submission, which just had the bitch begging for her knot.

She scrambled to put on clothes as Luna took control of Josie, and started to pump out a soothing scent. “That was my mother,” Clarke growled at her before leaving in a state of undress.

Her mother didn’t walk very far. She caught her on the steps of the Castle. Clarke wrapped her arms around her and pumped out her scent, and her mother cried into her arms. “How could you be so foolish,” her mother slapped her across the cheek and thankfully no one was there to notice. Her mother then hugged her again.

“Please don't leave Clarke. I know about what you did for your mate. It would break me to lose another child. Do you think it was easy to hear about my sister taking her own life? I won’t see you go through that. You want to let Aden become the next Duke. Fine. But you stay for the season. You marry one of these Princesses the Queen brought, and you live Clarke. You can find happiness. I know it will never be the same, but please try. One day at a time. One princess at a time or two if that is what makes you happy.”

“It numbs the pain but it doesn’t go away,” Clarke confessed.

Breakfast was a somber affair, she left right after and rode to the zoo to make sure everything was ready. Ephraim and Ella had saddles on them. A few of the staff went around testing it out. She went to each exhibit, and was pleased by the plaques that explained different facts about the animals.

Gabriel told her that Raven had come by demanding answers about her past on her mothers behalf. Even her mother had come out to see him, but he didn’t say anything. He was sworn to her, and her alone. But he said they knew a lot. Which had her racing back to Arkadia.

Her mother was having tea outside with the Queen. The Queen dismissed the Princesses, and called her forward. Her mother didn't leave the Queen's side.

"Imagine my surprise when not one but two princesses were out of bed. I think you would much prefer to leave, but you will be staying here as punishment. You will escort Josephine to every ball she wishes to attend. You will also be taking Princess Luna with you as well because from what I understand they are a package deal. Your mother wasn’t the only one who visited your tent this morning Duke,” the Queen growled and Clarke fell to her knees.

"Take me head.”

“Clarke,” her mother pleaded.

“Oh I think this punishment is much more entertaining. But I will be writing to the Princesses parents about what has transpired, so you will likely have to marry one of them before the season is through.”

Shit. Oh this was a fate worse than death. She would choose Greece if she had to. But there was no point telling her that she didn't initiate it. It happened. She was caught.

“I promised the King and Queen of Russia I would take care of their daughter. That was far from the first time we slept together, but I would appreciate her honor remaining intact.”

“And my friend's daughter Princess Luna?” The Queen asked.

“If we are being honest she cares little. She encourages her daughter to partake in such activities, and I may have bought my estates there with my body.”

“When in Greece,” The Queen simply said. “I will withhold telling my son about this daughter, on the condition that you are more discreet in the future. I know Josephine can be demanding.”
Clarke bowed and walked away. She needed to do something before she exploded. “And Clarke. I am truly sorry about your mate,” the Queen added.

Her mother caught up to her, and simply held her hand. She escorted her inside the keep and into her fathers study. They had a long talk. Many tears, but no shouting. She curled against her and cried, praying that another choice would be presented before her.

Dinner that night was picnic style so many people had arrived. Including Princess Alexandria. Niylah had found her over in the old tree fort her father rebuilt for them growing up. She could hear the people in the distance, but she craved solitude.

Wells found them next, followed by Raven, and then Bellamy and Octavia. Anya also climbed up and they all awkwardly huddled together as Clarke spilled her guts out to her friends, and heaved over the side of the house.

Jade found her in the middle of the night and she had to stop the fight between Anya and the other Alpha. She received a cut to the arm that would likely scar. Jade escorted her and Niylah to her tent. Wells and her weren’t working out and her friend wasn’t going to let her go alone. So she let her. What's one more person?

Luna was more excited than Josephine. Clarke just simply stripped and let the Omega suck her cock. Niylah replaced her as Luna fucked the slick Omega. Niylah at least knew what she liked, and she was finally ready to perform.

She knotted Josie, but not the others. The Omega became possessive with a third in the mix, but ultimately enjoyed herself. Luna lavished in the attention, and showed them all her skill. The following morning Derrek entered to wake them. She dressed hurriedly, and promised to give them all a treat later in the day.

All the other princesses were dressed and ready for the day. Her siblings called for her attention, especially Madi. She spent as much time with them as she could. Promised the Princesses a day they wouldn’t soon forget, and then found Marcus at the stables.

“The horses, and largest carriages are being prepared. Some musicians shall play for those that are walking, and everything seems to be in order.” Marcus informed her.

Clarke breathed a sigh of relief that was short lived. A carriage was brought towards the back of the house by all the tents, but the driver recognized her, and stopped in front of her. Costia was the first out followed by her mate. Her mate who refused to even touch her hand as she held it there to help her out of the carriage.

Niylah came out of her tent, followed by Josephine, and Luna. All three of them locked eyes on her, and they followed Niylah towards her sister. The sisters hugged as the Princesses looked at her mate, who stood there. Lexa. Lexa refused to look down in their presence. Whether she knew they were princesses or not.

“I have to leave, but play nice,” she said looking towards them before hastening inside the keep.

Octavia wanted a ride on an elephant so she would ride in on one. Madi, Aden, and her sisters as well. Though she shared Ephraim with Madi and Aden while her sisters rode Ella with Octavia.

When they arrived everyone was out on the front yard. The Princesses all stood together in a line aside from Josephine on the Queen's left with Luna behind her, and Lexa. Holy shit. Holy Shit.

“Are you alright Clarke?” Aden asked.

“I’m fine,” she lied through her teeth.

“You don’t look fine,” Madi added.

Costia was behind Lexa with her head downcast. She tried to catch her eye, but she refused to look at her. What a fool she was. Giving a crumbling estate to the fucking future Queen of the realm.

No matter. Lexa’s rejection was real enough. The Queen likely had plans for her to marry into another royal house. Death would have been much swifter indeed.

“Your Majesty,” Clarke bowed. "Could I offer you a ride to England's first zoo?” Clarke offered.

The Queen shook her head. “Perhaps you can offer one to my granddaughters or one of the other Princesses,” the Queen offered. She looked at Lexa and she caught her eye. She looked beautiful in her simple gown. Clarke swallowed hard, and bowed before her. “You haven't met my Granddaughter Alexandria, but you are well acquainted with Josephine. Perhaps you can take her and Lady Costia for a ride on one of those Elephants.”

“It's a pleasure to meet you, your highness,” Clarke stated, and Lexa refused to give her her hand to kiss, like the other Princesses had. Her grandmother cleared her throat and she finally did. Clarke touched it hesitantly, and dared to look up as she placed a soft kiss on her gloved hand. She committed the light touch to memory.

Lexa cleared her throat, and Clarke realized she was still holding her hand. “Sorry,” she said and stood up.

“I shall ride my horse alongside your carriage grandmother.”

“Nonsense. Go up there with Josie, I am sure Clarke will get you both there safely.”

“As my Queen commands,” Lexa said.

Clarke walked with them to the Elephants, and helped Lexa up before helping Josephine up. Luna, and two other Princesses who were more excited than afraid rode on Ella, and they started the walk to the zoo. Herself seated behind Josephine who didn’t know how to be subtle, but was thankfully near the end of her heat.

Lexa stayed quiet, even when Josephine said scathing comments that had her growling on Lexa’s behalf. The worst was when she hinted at them sleeping together.

“Leave the Duke alone Josephine. Clarke deserves better than you, and is likely just obeying your every command.” Lexa growled.

Ephraim trumpeted, and Clarke put a hand on each Omega. “Easy. Elephants are amazing creatures, but they frighten easily. You can fight back at the estate, but not here.” Clarke pumped out her scent.

Josie pouted, and Lexa focused on what was ahead of them. Clarke didn’t take her hand off of her. She kept one on each of them, and breathed in heavily waiting for the moment she would be told to remove it. It never came.

When they arrived the large gate was open for them, and they were brought into the elephant enclosure. Clarke helped all the Princesses down, and one of the staff brought out their daughter. The oohs and ahh of princesses, and those outside the gate was what she was going for.

Another staff member brought out bananas, and Clarke held the large group of them taking 3. She took turns giving them to the animals, and then handed one to each of the Princesses.

“Marvelous. Spectacular. Amazing.”

“Let us leave the enclosure Princesses, and let some of the other ladies have a turn feeding Ephraim, Elly, and their babe."

“Does the young one have a name?” Luna asked her.

Clarke promised to answer their question as soon as they were out of the enclosure. She waited until they were all out before closing it again. The crowd had gathered and the Queen was in attendance with a lot of other affluent Lords and Ladies. Impress the children. Clarke reminded herself and started to hand the bananas out.

“The little lady over there doesn’t have a name. Those of you who wish to buy a membership to visit anytime, or invest so that we can add other exhibits can have a ballot to vote for a name.”

She answered questions about the Elephants, investments, memberships, and any other questions she could think of until all the bananas were gone and the elephants walked away. She climbed out of the enclosure and walked towards the entrance of the star. This was a much larger group than she had anticipated.

“We cannot all stick together, as fun as it would be. Please keep your hands outside of the enclosures. The animal handlers are each at their stations. There are plaques by each letting you know different facts about the animal. Please listen to the handlers, I wish to see you all whole and hearty back at Arkadia for another evening picnic.”

“Can we come back tomorrow?” Lady Dublin’s youngest daughter asked.

“Members may return tomorrow during the day.” Clarke offered and then pointed in different directions listing different animals.

Thankfully the crowd slowly dispersed even a few Princesses. Including Alexandria. She watched her leave with Costia. She needed to speak with her. Perhaps she could speak with the Queen. She had to speak to the Queen, the Queen clearly knew exactly who her mate was. Was she even truly sorry she was rejected? Likely it was her idea.

Her anger wafted off of her, and Luna approached her pumping out her scent. “Calm Clarke,” Luna said and placed a hand on her arm. “What is your favorite exhibit?”

Josephine was beside her as well. Her mother, the Queen, Countess Callie, and Lady Indra all waited on her expectantly. She gave her arms to both princesses, and she promised that they would love it.

Clarke took Josephine with her inside of Pauna's enclosure. The Princess helped her carry in the two easels, and Clarke went back for the paper and the paints. Pauna’s was different from her own, but she had done this half a hundred times. When it was set up quite the crowd had gathered including the Queen. Whom she pointed to as Pauna’s subject.

Josephine took another brush, and worked away as well. Clarke helped to keep Pauna's attention on the Queen. He wasn’t used to quite the audience but he was doing well. Once it was done he stood. Clarke bowed, and he bowed, and then he shook her hand and climbed up his tree.

“Let’s show them hmmm?” Clarke said, bringing over the picture.

The Princess turned hers at the same time. It was of the people. She was quite an artist. Unlike Pauna, but he got the ridiculous headpiece she wore. It was rather on point. The crowd was in awe. Clarke had some bananas brought out to him, and left with Josephine and her favorite picture Pauna drew to date.

“That was spectacular.” Luna told her.

“You have seen nothing yet,” she promised them.

When they arrived at the Lion exhibit after escorting them through the enclosed building and various glass structures there was quite a crowd gathered. Clarke told them to wait and she went back inside and then down into their enclosure. The crowd gasped.

“Do not fear. Let’s see if Sebastian and I can entertain you.”

Sebastian jumped to her, and wrestled with her for a little bit. She laughed when he licked her face, and she got him up on a rock. She raised her hands, and he raised his paws. When she shook one, so did he. Next she grabbed a hoop and he jumped through it. The crowd watched on. Even a female joined to jump through. Next she threw the hoop and he waited and jumped through it perfectly.

The handler was ready with meat. She tossed a couple to the lionesses who were interested. Fed the more docile female from her hand. Then she had Sebastian roll over like a dog, and she gave him two pieces.

When she emerged the crowd clapped once again, and she moved them on to the outer exhibits. They took longer to walk to but they got to watch different species interact. The Kangaroo handlers were holding the joeys in blankets, and offering the children and adults a peek. At the giraffe exhibit the handlers handed out leaves, and she enjoyed the laughter of the children.

“What do you think?” Clarke asked the Queen who had been a shadow to her. They were in her personal carriage with Princess Alexandria beside the Queen, and Josephine and Luna on either side of her.

“I love it. Can you take Princess Luna and I back sometime for a private tour.” Josephine asked.

“I would love that as well, Clarke. You clearly have many hidden talents.”

“You Princesses would know all about that wouldn’t you," The Queen looked between them, and Clarke looked to Princess Alexandria. “You shall be chaperoned, by my people if you decide. Yours have clearly grown lax in their duties.”

“Princess Alexandria was it to your liking?” Clarke tried to engage her in conversation just to hear her voice.

Her expression turned unhappy pretty quickly. “They are caged animals, who should be back in the wild.”

Clarke growled. “They are not such. Most of them were wounded and I tended to them. Ephraim is missing a tusk because of poachers. Sebastian’s parents were killed and he was bottle fed. The rest of his pride I rescued from poachers who killed their parents. They may live in an enclosure but they are safe there. They are cared for. Some of those animals in there wouldn't survive on their own.”

“I did not know.”

“The exhibits are wonderful, Duke. Your mother is very pleased with your accomplishments, as am I. As will the Princess's parents when they arrive to offer you their daughter's hand.”

“Pardon?” Alexandria asked.

Clarke settled back into the seat of the carriage as Josephine cuddled into her arm. Luna then did the same, and then they bickered about who would actually have her and Clarke looked out the window.

The Queen cleared her throat, and they stopped arguing to look at the Queen. “Though there are other Princesses, and their families who will be here at the end of the season who will likely offer their Omegas up as well. Clarke simply needs to wed.”

“Why must she need to wed. Doesn’t the Duke have any say in the matter?” Alexandria asked.

Queen Becca turned to look at her Granddaughter, and Clarke had never seen her look so cold in her life. “I am afraid not. Since her mate rejected her she needs a companion before she dies. Which would be a terrible loss for not only England but her family.”

Luna pumped out her comforting scent. She looked between Lexa and herself and had likely figured it out. “Your mate is a bitch Clarke, you are a stallion.” Josephine stated.

"Maybe her mate makes decisions with her head, and not her heart.” Alexandria argued.

Josephine went at her cousin next as did Luna. Clarke tuned them out and looked at the Queen. Becca was far from sympathetic on the other hand she looked much too chipper. This was all part of her punishment. Could she truly survive a summer of this. Or a lifetime with Josephine and her anger issues and snide remarks.

She let her tears fall, and when she got to the house she helped the Queen down, and then Josephine. “Don’t cry Clarke. We will make you forget all about the bitch. Won’t we Luna.” Josephine said.

“A distraction won’t mend a broken heart Josephine,” Luna chided and pulled her away from the carriage.

Clarke offered her hand to Alexandria, and cast her eyes down to the gravel drive. She didn’t touch it. She got out, and strode towards her grandmother, anger coming off of her in waves.

Thankfully she was left alone for a few moments. She changed her outfit, and then greeted the others who started to return. Her own mother took her arm, and Raven held the other. They helped to keep her standing.

Those wishing to donate, or buy a membership were all waiting for her in the drawing of the house. There were many. Some even brought their children along to ask questions. Which she answered, or Doctor Santiago did for her.

The Queen made a generous donation, as did Wells Jaha. Large donations automatically received membership so she wrote them up and stamped the paper before adding the seal of the zoo and the year. She was busy well into the night.

“I hope I am not too late, but I wish to get a membership,” Costia declared entering the room. She was followed by the Princess with Anya acting as guard. She must have waited. There was no one else in the room with them and Anya shut the doors.

“Of course,” Clarke stamped her one, but refused her money, instead reaching into her coin purse, and adding the funds to the pile, as the rather large chest off to the side was already filled with notes. Raven must have spread the word. Thankfully this would all be done at the zoo now. She would no longer need to do the menial task, her staff would take over.

Costia sat down but Lexa remained standing. The Omega refused to look at her. Clarke handed over the membership to Costia and wrote her name down, and then had her add her signature to the list to be confirmed.

“I should leave,” Costia said, and got up and left.

Alexandria gave her a longing look, but then took her place. “I owe you an apology.” Lexa said, and Clarke refused to meet her eye. Instead she worked on packing away her things.

"You owe me nothing.”

“You can't marry those princesses.”

“Is that an order?” Clarke tried to gather her anger as she looked at the princess. “You can have your Omega, and whoever else you want, but I must remain unwed. Unworthy to be by your side as I am, just drive the knife into my heart already."

Clarke grabbed her own and marched around the table and pointed the blade at her chest. She grabbed Lexa’s hands and wrapped it around it and pushed the blade into her skin. The Omega was strong but she was stronger.

“Anya,” Lexa pleaded for help but she stood by.

“Do it,” she started to cry, and she pulled it further into herself. “Do it Omega,” Clarke ordered and flooded the room with her scent. Lexa faltered, and Clarke plunged it in deeper.

“I’ve never killed anyone and I won't start now.”

Clarke growled, as Lexa fought harder. “I’ve killed over 300 on the orders of the crown, and a few more just because it pleased me.”

“Wanheda put the blade down.” Anya said firmly.

She got up leaving Lexa and her trembling hands. “Then you do it. I killed Finn so you could have my sister. If anyone understands how I feel it is you. At least Raven loved you. You got your mate. You fucked her in my flat while her husband beat her, and raped her. You got to hold her and love her. I shall never know how it feels. I will simply be the one being raped, as others try to lessen it. Do it Anya. Do it!!” Clarke screamed.

“Clarke,” Lexa tried to calm her down with her scent but she was too far gone. Her heart was breaking, her world was shattered already, and it was like looking through a broken mirror.

Clarke cried as she looked at Lexa. “You want a life without me. It would be easier. Who wants a broken Alpha. Not even their true mate,” Clarke dragged the blade down her arm.

Anya reached for her but she moved out of her grasp and hopped onto the window ledge before jumping down. When her feet hit the ground she started to run. It was so freeing. She cried as she ran from her home. Away from the mate that would rather live a life without her. She got to the stables, and rode hard for the beach.

She fell from the horse, and crawled over to the spot where they had carved her father and brothers name into the rock. She placed a bloodied hand on it as she watched the waves crash over the rocks. The tranquillity of the water was the last thing she saw, as she mumbled her mates name before falling into oblivion.

Chapter Text

The Duke of Arkadia was her mate. What did she truly know about her? Nothing. But her lover knew everything, and she hated the feeling she got in her stomach when hearing about Costia gush over the Alpha.

“Do you think there is a chance she will choose me to be the next Duchess or is she simply being polite?”

How was she supposed to know the answer? She barely knew anyone at court. She hated the devious scheming, and preferred to stay with her tutors, and Costia. Anya was the closest family she had, and even she refused to speak of the Alpha other than her bravery in battle.

Costia gushed daily about the Duke. It got to the point where she tuned it out. The last heat she had was terrible. Costia helped her of course, but she felt like there was something missing, and that felt like a betrayal. Like something she should speak to Costia about.

The Lady knew she wanted her near, her grandmother would tell her to marry and she would. Her choice in a mate was off the table, and she knew she was attracted only to females. Especially Omegas. And Costia was so beautiful. They made love to each other after her first heat, and hadn’t been apart for long ever since.

Promises made by young ladies. Lexa prayed that Costia would never leave her side, but the more she heard about the Duke the less she saw that as a possibility.

At her friend's ball she attended in secret. She quite enjoyed the lady whistledown pamphlets. Her grandmother hated them, but it gave her an idea about the society she would step into and one day rule over.

When the Duke asked her to dance, she knew it was her mate. She drank in her scent, and found for an Alpha it wasn't unpleasant. But she had heard and read terrible things about Alphas. Not only in Lady Whistledown but those that pleaded to the crown to intervene.

Her grandmother had an assassin. She knew that. Wanheda as she was called would one day be under her orders, her grandmother told her. Then she bragged about her skill, and told her all the ways she utilised them. Making them kill certain people to stop wars. Even if they themselves hadn't outwardly started one. She would have Wanheda kill them. She would even have them kill her mate if she touched her the wrong way.

The Duke didn't though. She was nothing but polite. Didn’t even ask for her name, but a second dance. Which she agreed to, but a third was pushing it. She already found herself caving to that smell.

For a week she combed through previous articles about the Duke with Costia under the guise of research for her friend's potential husband. When really she wanted to know everything about her.

“Do you think any of these stories are true?” Lexa asked.

Costia sighed on her bed, and she laid down beside her. “My sister said the one about the chess player is. Clarke beat him, and the man signed the board. She had it sent to her family as a gift.”

“The Duke sounds smart, but all these other stories seem rather scandalous”

Costia smirked and then kissed her. Lexa moaned and Costia continued. They reached under each other's clothes, and pushed in at the same time. She held her stare before they started to kiss to drown out each other's moans. She came hard, and bit her lip, as she continued to pleasure Costia.

They changed positions as they scrambled out of their clothes and into night dresses. She laid on the bed, and Costia moved on top of her. Together they joined their bodies mouths to sex’s as Lexa swiped through the woman's folds with her tongue. Costia tasted remarkable and was rather skilled with her tongue.

“Oh yes,” Lexa moaned.

“Lex,” Costia purred against her and she started to pump into her.

They writhed against one another until they came again. But Lexa didn't stop, so Costia didn't either. The final time she thought of blue eyes instead of Costia’s soft brown, and she came harder than before. Her body felt amazing, but she felt nothing but betrayal in her heart. Especially when Costia cuddled into her shoulder.

“What do you think wine tasting with the pope would be like? Your grandmother confirmed that one the other day at court, and then brought out a cask for us to try.”

Lexa was growing tired. She thought about it for a moment. That pope had died shortly after the Duke's visit. “I am not sure if the new pope is as much of a drinker as his predecessor.” She answered honestly.

The following week Indra, her grandmother's younger friend, had a ball. It was one she could attend in secret. So she joined in. Her friend took her by the hand, and then left her to go greet the Duke.

She had spotted Clarke as soon as she entered. Dancing around the fire for Alphas and beta males. Her chest was bound, but there was still skin showing. She noticed quite a few scars, but that made sense. She was also a general. Which was strange for someone her age. Clarke was certainly skilled then. But something was off about the Duke.

Sure Clarke was her mate. Her Omega recognized her as an equal but there was something underneath the facade. Lexa had originally had no intention of wedding, she was set on sabotaging matches like her cousin Josephine if it came to it. Would her grandmother allow her to marry a mate? Could she love a mate? Her parents were mates, and didn’t get along.

“The Duke has asked me out,” Costia gushed. “Clarke certainly hasn't taken an interest in anyone else. Look at her,” Costia said over the fire.

So Lexa watched her. Sure enough Clarke was polite, but she had no interest in the other Omegas. She turned away whenever she looked at her. Her blue eyes, already popping into her head enough lately without needing to commit another image to memory.

Costia went on about her in her small circle, and the more she spoke the more certain she was the Duke would either ask her to marry her or visit her estate which was close to a marriage proposal by society standards. Though she bragged she had already been invited for a special occasion the Duke had planned.

Her own plans to avoid eye contact with the Duke were ruined when the Alpha followed herself and Costia. The Dukes scent had an effect on her, and she was more than a little turned on by watching the dancers. She knew Costia would take care of her, and she was so close to coming before being interrupted.

The only saving grace she had was that Clarke had no idea who she was. She ignored the Alpha and ran off after her friend. But she heard her anguish, and still. Lexa decided it was better to not get involved. She would be forced to marry for the good of the crown, and Clarke had ample ladies offering themselves to her.

“Costia is to be dismissed from your service,” Her grandmother declared a few days later, coming into her room.

Both of them were naked, and her grandmother avoided looking at them as she explained the situation. When Costia left her room, Lexa followed her grandmother to the window seat.

“Mates are complicated things. Lord knows Anya suffered long enough. Most are lucky to never meet theirs. But fewer are as unlucky as to be rejected. They feel it so deeply. Even the slightest disinterest. For they know at first sight, that they belong to one another. What do you think dear?"

Lexa answered with what she thought her grandmother wanted to hear. “I belong to the crown. I shall have to marry one day, for the good of my people. It is best not to think about the possibility of mates. When mine could very well be halfway around the world.”

“So you are prepared to marry who I present to you?” Her grandmother asked and when Lexa nodded she stood up. “Good. I am inviting some Omega princesses to help you make friendships. Their eligible brothers and Alphas will arrive later, and I will see who can provide us the best connections for your future.”

“Yes Grandmother. May I escort Costia to her seat?”

“Only if you attend the Griffin soiree in Arkadia. That is a month away. Spend your time wisely because you will be needed back in court after. Other Princesses will be expecting your company.”

A respite. Though it was not. First they stopped at Griffin House, and she was thrown. Clarke had painted them kissing. Not that her mother would be able to tell who they were. But the book she flipped through while giving them a moment was full of sketches of her. What she may look like without makeup on her face.

The will was too much. It broke her. Clarke loved her. Built a life for her without knowing her or her station. They could very well run away together, and live happily. Perhaps even bringing Costia with them, but she couldn't let Josephine inherit the crown. She was her only other Omega relative, and as such she was next in line. Her cruelty would destroy the country.

At the Collins Estate she explored with Costia. The house truly was in shambles, but workers were called for. They left them alone to explore the house and the property. One room was saturated in the Alphas scent.

Costia touched the paint on the wall. “Niylah told me about this. I only told her your name. I promise I didn't tell her who you were.”

“Lexa… She will likely figure it out, Costia.”

“She will likely be dead before she does. She begged for leave to go off to war again.” Costia cried.

Back and forth they went. Lexa didn’t want Clarke to marry Costia. Costia told her it should be her, and they just kept having a roundabout argument. For days, and then weeks. Their love making was brutal, but her friend was a gentle soul. Lexa didn’t like her anger towards her, and then promised to try. For Costia would only keep her secret for so long, and ultimatums were made.

Which was how she found herself waiting for a more private meeting with the very busy Duke. She wasn’t used to waiting. They needed to speak and sort things out. Josephine would tear Clarke apart, and if Anya was to be believed she already had.

While they waited she spoke with the other princesses. The line up to speak with the Duke was all the way out her castle drive. Everyone was raving about the animals. The children were happy, the Lords and Ladies were all impressed, even her grandmother had nothing bad to say about the Duke and she had something bad to say about everyone.

Luna invited her and Costia over for tea at a table further away. It was by a pond, and everyone gave them enough space. The two had their personal guards and she had Anya who was staring daggers into Josephine's guard.

“Ignore them. Anya is just pissed Jade got the better of her.”

"When did you fight?” Lexa asked, looking to her second best friend.

“It is not for your ears.” Anya said simply.

Josephine didn’t care. She was always a bragger. “When I sent Jade to drag Clarke back into her tent. She helped Luna through her heat, it is only fair she helped me finish mine.”

“Pardon?” Costia said innocently.

Lexa was fuming. Her angry pheromones got the better of her, and Luna and Costia calmed her down with theirs. This was what her grandmother meant. She had no right to be jealous. She reminded herself. But she needed to clear something up with Clarke. She hadn’t meant to reject her.

“Some of us prefer our lovers to come to us, Josephine."

“I didn’t kick out the other Omega. Clarke should be happy I let Niylah even suck her cock.”

Fuck. She was going to be sick. She listened to them speak of Clarke in such a way. She had never taken a cock, a knot, a toy, and the only thing she had in her mouth were Costia’s fingers. She could never compare.

“Josephine,” Luna scolded.

“What?” Josie said and shrugged. “Your mother had her as well. Or don't you remember the palace orgy. Now that was a night I will never forget.”

Luna was even getting angry with her friend. “Clarke was so wasted she didn’t even realise she went into rut Josie. Mother did what she had to do. Her scent was affecting everyone in the keep.”

“Does Clarke have any children?” Costia asked and took her hand under the table.

“As drunk as she gets she makes her partners drink moon tea."

"Well I didn’t drink mine this morning. If I am carrying her child Clarke will have to marry me, and father and mother will have to accept it.”

“Josephine," Luna scolded.

"What it is either you or me, and if it's me, there can still be you, and whoever else I decide to share her with.”

Lexa got up. She had heard enough. She slapped her cousin across the face. “I am telling grandmother.”

Her cousin simply laughed. “She already knows. Clarkes mate rejected her, Lexa. If she doesn't find something or someone to live for she will die.” Luna gave her a pitying look and Costia looked angrier than she had ever seen her. “Our babies will be cute and blonde, and perfect. And will likely be next in line to the throne as you remain uninterested in anyone but Omegas. Do you even know how babies are made?”

She stormed away before she could hit her again. Lexa likely would have killed her. She stormed over to her grandmother who was having tea with Abby Griffin, her parents, and the Countess Callie. She didn't care. She was far past caring.

“Josephine is actively trying to get pregnant and she is using Clarke to get out of another marriage.” Lexa fumed anger coming off of her in waves.

The older man laughed. “And I thought this summer would be boring. Remember that sheikh who gave Clarke his wife,” the man said to his wife.

“Do you not care?” Lexa said angrily at her grandmother who shrugged. When did she turn into someone who didn't care. She had many opinions about Josephine and none of them were good.

“My sister killed herself from her mate's rejection. As have many other members of my family and even the Griffin family. If by some miracle Clarke can have a child with someone who isn't her mate. Since she has known she has had one for years it is likely she is shooting blanks, as we say in the Americas.” Abby said.

No one gave a shit. Seriously. She looked positively deranged in comparison. Her grandmother snorted. “Shooting blanks.” She laughed, and the elder man laughed as well.

“The Duke has sowed many fields, but they remain barren Alexandria. I have no doubt your cousin wishes to make the Alpha hers, but it will take more than a few heats. Even then the chance is slim.”

“And Clarke brews her own tea as a precaution." Abby added

“Alphas can do that?” Lexa asked.

That caused her grandmother to ignore her again and have a deep conversation about natural medicine from America. She was ignored. All of them. All of them ignored her. So she stormed off and Costia followed her.

“They simply cannot do that.” Lexa growled. “No one seems to care about Clarke or what she wants.”

“Not even her mate,” Costia said coldly.

“Cos,” Lexa tried to touch her but her friend pulled away.

“I love you, but I know we can only do this for so long. Each heat will become worse Lexa. I won’t be enough. I wish to remain friends. I can't be your lover anymore. Not when it is hurting Clarke. You must speak with her.” Costia begged.

So she did. She tried. Clarke was too distraught. Everything happened so quickly. She struggled against the Alpha but she was too weak to pull away. Too weak to pull the blade from her heart. She didn't want Clarke to die. Each passing second a bond started to form, and her heart started to break for the Alpha.

Wanheda… Wanheda. Clarke was the personal assassin. Clarke had killed. Likely even longed for death many times. Which was why she drank herself into oblivion. Clarke had killed targets she had grown to care for. And also killed people who deserved it. Like Costia’s brother in law.

“Clarke,” Lexa scrambled to the window, and watched her run away leaving a trail of blood.

Anya blocked her way out of the door. “Let me pass,” she struggled to get by her. “I order you to let me pass.” Her friend and family pushed her back and looked at her with disgust.

“There is no turning back from this. I should have told her who you were years ago but you were a child. I thought keeping you apart was best. So did your grandmother. I see now I failed a friend. Clarke’s death will be on my hands. Not yours.”

“You must stop her. Run after her. Surely there is another way."

“You would rather her get raped by your cousin every night than accept her as your mate.”

No… No she wouldn't let that happen. She couldn't let that happen. Realising her exit through the door was blocked she went to the window and jumped down. Lexa ran chasing the scent into the stables. She didn’t care about a saddle Clarke surely hadn’t.

She followed after the distant horse with no care about those calling after her. Clarke was well up ahead. The smell of the ocean helped to cover up the stench of blood but it was wafting towards her urging her forward.

Secrets, mystery. Clarke would lay herself bare before her. The Alpha was broken, but not broken beyond repair. Her Omega urged her forward. Begging her not to let Clarke die. The something settling into her chest was their bond slowly snapping into place. Which was something she had tried to avoid.

Her fear drove her to stay away. To be with her lover and to make safe decisions. The fear of losing her mate was worse. She did not feel likely a fraction of what Clarke was feeling.
Lexa watched her fall from her horse. Her panic and fear only increased as Clarke was gone from her sight. She urged the horse forward, and found Clarke grasping onto a carved stone.

Dismounting quickly she ran over to Clarke. The Alpha was mumbling her name and it sounded so sweet from her lips. ‘Lexa’. Stop the bleeding, she reminded herself. She tore her dress and wrapped it around the wound. Another strip she tied around her upper arm.

“Stay with me,” Lexa begged as she kept pressure on her wound.

“Lexa,” Clarke said looking at her before her head rolled to her side.

“HELP!!!!” Lexa screamed as loud as she could. “SOMEONE HELP ME!!!!!!!” Lexa cried, and kept screaming.

She screamed and cried, and willed her mate to hold on. For one more chance. Praying to every single god she had ever heard of she asked them to keep her mate alive.

“Oh gods,” Octavia and Lincoln were the first to arrive.

Lincoln picked up Clarke as Octavia remounted her horse to ride to the only Doctor nearby.

“Get on your horse princess,” Lincoln ordered and she struggled to climb. He had to drop Clarke to help her up. Then he laid her mate over her lap. “Quickly,” he jumped on one of his own and realised she wouldn't be able to keep Clarke up with her. He dragged her onto his and she followed after.

Blood caked her hands. She could feel it on the horse, as she rode hard for the zoo where the only doctor was in the area other than Clarke.

The doctor was running towards them with Octavia. Staff behind them with a stretcher. All of them were worried. All of them cared for Clarke deeply. She tried to follow but Octavia pushed her back.

“I could have your hand for that.”

“Not if I kill you first. You're her mate. Of course you are. Take my hands. Take my head, but it will not be worse than breaking your mate.”

“Octavia,” Lincoln shouted. "Go get Abby you aren't helping."

The young Blake pointed at her. “She is not helping.”

Lincoln threw her on her horse and slapped it. He apologised for her but there was nothing to apologise for.

The both of them followed the stench of blood. Down a spiral staircase into an antechamber. The Doctor was already stitching up her wound. “She lost too much blood. She won’t make it.”

"Take mine,” Lincoln said, holding out his arm.

"It might not work. Her body could reject it and then she would certainly die.”

“Clarke saved my life. She gave me her own. We are a match,” Lincoln was nervous.

The doctor started to work. He attached something into Lincoln and then something into Clarke. She held her mate's hand. It was cold. She looked pale, and her lips looked blue.

"Stay with me,” she cried and pressed her lips against Clarkes.

Her lips were soft. Pouty even. It felt right. She wanted to do it again, and feel Clarke kiss her back. All she wanted was a chance to fix things. Every second that went by that she didn't wake it felt like that chance was slipping.

“You’ve given too much.” The doctor said,

Lincoln shook his head. “I can last a little longer.”

"We need another donor.” The Doctor told him.

"Who can donate,” she begged.

The doctor shook his head, and looked at the clock on the wall. The rise and fall of her mate's chest was minimal. “Family, usually. Though a mate would be a perfect match."

Lexa saw a pair of scissors and cut the fabric of her dress. She ripped the sleeve off exposing her arm. “Take it. Take my blood.”

“It could kill her.” The doctor shook his head.

“I’m her mate," she spoke the words out loud, and Lincoln handed him the needle before slipped
down the wall.

Animals started to cry in the cages around her. The gorilla she had secretly watched Clarke with earlier, and then the lion. All of them were at the cages watching the blonde with concern. Lexa felt the needle go into her skin and she was brought a chair to sit on.

“Will she live?” Lexa asked.

“I don't know.”

“Then we may die together. Take as much as you need. Save my mate,” Lexa begged a final time before focusing on Clarke.

She looked at her. She committed the image to memory. Lexa gently swept her hair away from her face and apologised over and over again. She tuned out the crying animals, and others around her as she started to feel woozy.

“When was the last time she ate something?” She heard the doctor ask.

Good question. When was the last time she ate something? When had Clarke eaten last? She looked terrible. As much as she was beautiful her features were gaunt. She was so full of life at Costia's ball. Even at Indra’s.

It was her fault. She should have stayed and spoke to Clarke. Instead she ran as well. Perhaps if she stayed things would be different. So she was staying now. She wouldn't leave. She would be by her side.

Arms tried to pull her, but she clung to Clarke. She felt her breath on her ear, and didn't want to let her mate go. She was still breathing. Which meant she was alive.

“Lexa,” Costia said. “Lexa,” her soft voice, and hands grabbed at her. “You need to get off of her. Her mother wants to take her back to the house while everyone is asleep.” Costia said firmly.

When she got off of Clarke she held her hand. She sat with her in the cart that wheeled her to the house. Costia cleaned the blood from her and helped her to change, as Clarke’s mother did the same for her mate.

Lexa scrawled into the bed. Clarke had been brought to the rooms she was using. The rooms that smelt of her. The things that were placed around the room that would have told her it belonged to her mate if the scent hadn’t. She needed that smell. Craved it. She didn't care that Clarke’s mother was there; she crawled on top of the covers and laid beside her.

“I’ll watch them,” Costia said.

“I’m not leaving either,” Bellamy Blake declared and he also gave her a withering look.

She supposed she deserved it. Or them. All of them. They knew. All of them hated her, but not as much as she hated herself right now. She would deal with the aftermath whatever it may be.
Clarke wasn't awake the following morning. She refused to eat. The only people coming in and out of the room were maids, Doctor Santiago, and the elder Griffins and Blakes. Costia didn’t leave her side, and her grandmother didn’t call her to hers.

Out of all of Clarkes family she decided that she liked her grandmother the most, but maybe that was because she was the only one that spoke to her. She also managed to get her to eat, when even Costia had given up.

“My granddaughter loves these. I always keep a few in my bag.” The older lady said, pulling a bag of brown candy out of her bag. She handed one to her, and then one to Costia. “Try it dear, they simply are delicious,” she said before putting one in her mouth and taking out a flask.

“Don’t mind me. It helps calm the nerves. I prefer it over smoking. Steven is a smoker. Clarke as well.”

“Clarke smokes?” Lexa asked eagerly for something about her mate that she couldn't read in a gossip column, or that wasn't about death.

“Cigars mainly, though the natives have an herb she likes as well. Purely medical, my aunt fanny.” The woman said and then took another sip. “Steven got her onto it. He is my husband not to be mistaken for my son, who is also Steven. Though which of the two is a worse influence I can't tell.”

A maid then entered and brought in a trolly of food. “Leave it there Edna. I hope it wasn't too much trouble.”

“Not at all ma’am. Anything for her grace.” The maid stated before leaving.

The older lady made a plate for her. She added corn, stuffing, and sliced turkey. There was a gravy and a cranberry sauce as well which smelt good.

“Come eat dear Clarke isn’t going anywhere and neither is her favourite meal,” the older woman stated.

Lexa left the bed only to look at what consisted of Clarke's favourite meal. She looked back to her mate who was sniffing the air. Clarke whined and Lexa was back to her side. It was a reflex now. She couldn’t hold herself back if she tried.

Clarke’s grandmother brought the plate over to her. Everything was cut up like she was a small child who couldn't do it herself. Clarke sniffed the air heavily. “I think she likes the scent of the food.”

Costia gently touched her hand. She looked over to her friend who shook her head. “It’s not the food. It’s you. If you want to help Clarke you need to eat.”

“Lady Costia is right. A mate's scent is the true comfort.”

“How many in Clarkes family have found their true mates?” Costia asked.

The woman thought about it for a moment. Lexa was looking at her, and she wanted to know as well. “I shall trade you questions for mouthfuls of food.” She looked between them. “The both of you. You are no help to the Princess and her mate if you neglect to care for yourself Lady Costia."

Costia likely didn't need to be prompted to eat as she got up and made a plate. Lexa on the other hand did. She knew what the woman was doing. Lexa ate a forkful, and then another for good measure and waited for the answer.

Okay. Clarke's favourite meal was rather good. Especially the stuffing. She had never had stuffing that delicious before.

“Very few haven’t found their mate on either side. My other daughter met her mate. She took her own life, when the woman rejected her. Omega, Omega pairings are rare, but they do happen. No amount of money or assurances on our part could convince the woman to leave her husband.”

“Clarke’s fathers cousin also took his life, and another relative on the Griffins side took their life as well. Mates are complicated. It is a connection that is there, even if one doesn't get along with them. My parents hated one another, but they were still mates.”

“What are the americas like?” Costia asked.

Good question. She would eat. She liked that the corn was buttered, and cut. Even the cranberry was good with the turkey. Mashed potatoes with the skin on. How interesting. Clarke was unique.

“More built up. But there are still troubles. Clarke found her share of it on her travels, but I shall have her be the one to tell them. There are the things we hear from others, which sometimes take wing they have travelled so far. Best to ask Clarke about those.”

Clarke was one thing and then another. Perhaps pieces of her got lost along the way. Clarke had not only followed orders but defied them in a way. Freeing slaves, paying proper wages, hunting down poachers. Making friends with what some people would call savages, and finding homes, and work for those in need. Her Alpha had started schools, sent others to school, and allowed Omegas to teach Alphas.

Her plate was done before it got cold. Not that much was piled on but it was more than she ate in a few days. Costia ate as well, they hadn’t spoken about this. Her friend seemed to understand though. Some of the questions asked were for herself, and Lexa didn’t blame her.

Another day and night passed, and she woke in the middle of the night to movement. Clarke reached for her hand but she didn’t wake up. Lexa held it and stayed up for a while thinking about ways to get her grandmother to accept the match.

The Alpha woke before she did. Lexa felt someone stroking her hair, and purring beneath her. “Shhh. I don’t think you're real.” The Alpha mumbled sleepily.

Lexa didn't move. She stayed and held her until Clarkes breathing evened out. Lexa then rose from the bed. On the opposite side Bellamy was fast asleep. Costia had managed to find sleep as well. Lexa got up and looked out at the morning sun that was rising.

Clarke stirred once again. “Hello,” she said louder, and Bellamy woke up.

“I’m going to go get Abby,” he said, rushing off.

It was now or never, she approached the bed quickly, as Clarke started to sit up. Lexa crawled over top of her and kissed her. “You may be the commander of death, but you don’t command your own. I do. I need you to live for me Clarke, I can’t lose you,” Lexa cried, and then kissed her again.

Clarke’s lips gently pressed against her own. Hesitant at first. Lexa pushed back against her and there was a hunger she felt. She wanted more. But that wasn’t to happen. Hurried footsteps came from down the hall, and Lexa quickly rolled off the bed. She noticed that Clarke was blushing and covered her midriff with a pillow.

She had never seen an Alpha before. Of course she had seen artworks with phallic images, but they weren’t Clarkes. Never before had she longed to see a cock, and now it was all she could think about.

“I shall give you some space,” Lexa offered.

“Stay,” Clarke begged.

“I will be back.” She promised.

Outside of the rooms Gustus was there. “I am to take you to the Queen,” he said. Good. She needed to speak to her grandmother.

Inside of her grandmother's chambers she sat by a window overlooking the distant shore. Water met the sky. It was Idyllic. The sun would set on that side, and she could see why it was the Lord's chambers. Though there were a lot of feminine touches and it smelt of Abby Griffin.

“I wish for you to consider Clarke amongst the suitors you plan on interviewing.”

“Josephine won’t be happy about that.”

Lexa growled. She couldn't help it. She hated her cousin for having her mate. For taking her whenever she wished, and thinking Clarke as only good breeding stock.

“Please.”

"I shall consider it. But as soon as Clarke is well she will be escorting Josephine, and the other princesses around London.”

“Clarke is mine,” Lexa growled.

"Is she? I don’t seem to recall you telling me you found your mate. I do recall your mate though speaking of being rejected. Gustus will be guarding Clarke from now on. Ryder shall be guarding you, and as a Princess you will attend events. You will do your duty to the crown and appear interested, and you have no choice who you wed. I shall consider the Duke of Arkadia, but if you truly wish to wed both of you need to be stable. No more running from events, or into danger.”

“You put her in danger,” Lexa growled. She had never wanted to make her grandmother submit until now. “Clarke may have killed, but that isn’t what she is about. You're at fault for this as much as I am. She is broken, so broken by what she has done. Did you ever stop to think about the toll it had on her.”

“Get out Alexandria. I will remind you once, I am the Queen. You are my heir, and like me you must marry for the good of the crown. Pack your bags, we are going to London.”

Lexa stormed out of the room and back into Clarkes. She smiled at her when she came in. Her mother nodded to her and left. Costia gave them space as well, and she sat on the bed.

“Can we start over?” Lexa asked quietly.

"I would like that very much.”

Clarke leaned up to kiss her, and Lexa kissed her back, and chased her lips when she pulled away. “You are real.” Clarke smiled and then sat back in her bed like a pup.

“I told you so,” Costia said. “And I shall forget I saw that.”

She let Clarke pull her into an embrace, and she hugged her across her chest. Wanting to cry she willed herself not to, but Clarke must have figured it out. “What's wrong?”

Lexa sighed heavily. “What isn’t?” She looked up to Clarke who laughed a little. “My grandmother is leaving soon which means I have to leave.”

“Please take the other princesses with you, and send them home,” Clarke scowled and then pouted. “Please,” she begged and then pouted.

Gods she wanted to cry. She would if she could. “My grandmother has promised to consider you as a match. There are others though… I…” Lexa said, trying to find the right words. “I know I don't have a choice in who I marry. I wish I did but I don’t. You may be my mate, but if it stops a war I will likely be presented with one person over another.”

“I have stopped wars before.”

Lexa pumped out her scent. “I know. I know all about the achievements of Wanheda. I want to get to know you, Clarke. The real you. Like why do you like the turkey meal with stuffing, cut corn, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry.”

“Thanksgiving supper. It is held yearly. Certain places in the colonies, the native Americans and the pilgrims, us. Join together and have a similar meal. It was meant to unify a relationship, and stop the warring. Though it hasn’t really stopped. The land was theirs, and we stole it. Quite sad really, but it is a good reminder that we can always do better. I just really love grandmother's cook Edna. She makes the best savoury dishes.”

“It was good,” Lexa admitted and smiled at her mate.

“Tell me about yourself.” Clarke begged and when she turned they both faced one another. Clarke below the sheets and her above them.

“I enjoy reading, and learning. I like to ride horses, and I enjoy swimming.”

Clarke smiled at her, and she looked tired. There was some half eaten breakfast on the side table. Lexa walked over to it, and brought it to the bed. “Eat. The sooner you are well, the sooner you can see me."

“I’m going to court you.” Clarke smiled. “If you Queen doesn’t pick me at the end of the season. I shall steal you away."

Lexa smiled sadly at Clarke and encouraged her to eat. She indulged her in her fantasy and asked where they would go. How many children she expected her to have, why this place over that. So on and so forth. She could see it. The appeal of running away. But with Josephine as the alternative, Lexa needed to stay. She needed Clarke to stay.

“Those are all fine fantasies Clarke. Can you imagine what Josephine would be like as a ruler? She is next in line to the throne.”

Her mate looked worse than before. “Exactly. I need you to live, Clarke. To fight for me because I will be fighting for you. You are my mate. I… I need you by my side. It is you or no one else. We just need to show my grandmother that."

“I can do that.” Clarke smiled. “But only for more cuddles,” her face turned serious.

She leaned across the bed to kiss her mate. They were quickly forced apart by someone entering Clarkes room. “The Queen is ready to leave, Princess.”

“I can pack your stuff, and look after Clarke for you,” Costia promised.

Lexa walked over to her friend and hugged her. She let her tears fall and Costia gently kissed them away. “I trust no one else with this,” she whispered.

“I will always love you Lexa. Clarke is going to make you happier than I ever could. I will keep her alive to do so, and fight your cousin if I have to.” Costia promised her.

She thanked the Griffin family who were already lined up saying goodbye to other guests. Abby was kinder than the rest. She would have to win them over. There were a lot of people she had to win over, including her grandmother who was watching her out of the carriage window.

When she returned to London there was a fresh Whistledown. Once she had loved reading Whistledown. Now she hated it.

—--------------End Note——————

The Duke of Arkadia has returned to our shores with not one Omega but two. Including the Greek Princess Luna Floukru. Could one of these princesses be the rumoured Princess our Rake of a Duke deflowered on her many travels?

In Germany the King and Queen mourn the loss of their son. In England his former fiance is spotted enjoying the company of the Duke, and Greek Princess as they emerge from a steam powered ship. By how close they were heading into the carriage the ship wasn’t the only steamy thing about the travels.

Did the Duke steal away with not one Princess but two? Why not add a few more princesses into the mix. The only Princess who hasn’t tried to get the Duke's attention is our own. One has to wonder if the Princess has eyes. The Duke is the prize of the season and certainly worthy of a Princess.

How will any of the Princesses' families pay their dowry? In animals I wonder?

From aquatic animals, reptiles, and mammals, the Duke has them all. The opening of the first Zoo of England has caught quite a buzz. So much so that this author rushed back to tell you all about it.

Our Duke of Arkadia has simply outdone herself. Riding on an elephant to her own keep to pick up the Princesses brave enough to attend. The Queen's own granddaughters rode with the Duke to the large fence line and into the enclosure.

Inside of the star-shaped dome there are animals from a warmer climate. Including a gorilla named Pauna. Said gorilla even painted a portrait of her majesty. Impressive creature indeed.

While small children were amazed by baby kangaroos, and playful pandas, the adults watched a lion jump through hoops. Some animals one could feed, others one could pet, and some certainly looked as ferocious as one would expect. Such as the boa constrictor. I dare say it could swallow a small child.

So if you are to visit make sure to keep them close. The zoo will be open to the general public soon enough. So if you wish to stay ahead of the curve, or maybe impress your sweetheart I suggest visiting soon. For once all of England finds out it is certain to be a busy attraction.
Enough about the Duke, though everything does seem to be about the Duke as of late. Or their family.

Lady Anya has officially started to court Lady Raven. The attraction is so thick one has to wonder if there ever truly was a mourning period.

Before writing my first column I remember hearing something about them, but all facts seem to be muddled. Lady Raven does finally have a smile on her face that is genuine, and the guard certainly looks less angry than usual.

Will they live at the Griffin Estate? Lady Anya’s position in the guard has granted her a decent wage, but with no lands, or title to give what can she offer her bride other than protection.

Which some of you ladies would much prefer over floppy arms and bodies. I would like to see Lord Jaha protect his wife from an attacker. Perhaps what even the lowliest suitor needs is some muscle.

That being said, we are in for a special treat in the upcoming weeks. Lord Blake is hosting a barn raising. Has his American foster mother rubbed off on him? For certain we can expect a few Lords to flex their muscles as Lincoln Trigeda, Lord Jordan, and Lord Wells Jaha have already confirmed attendance.

And this author can't wait to see what food, and flair will be had. With those names alone we can expect quite a few from society to attend. Will the sight of our shirtless Lords put the ladies into hysterics, or will they find themselves with a happy bride.

As we hold fairs to find the prize pig, cows, and other animals. Who will be the prize Lord? And will the princesses all be there to take a vote?

See you shortly

Lady Whistledown

Chapter Text

Oh dear what could the matter be?

A Duke appears and then disappears. The Queen cancels the Frosts' ball in order to host a ladies gathering for the Princesses. Then there is the shortage of certain medicinal ingredients in London. Soon the modiste will find themselves busy letting out dresses. Which one of you will be carrying another with you down the aisle? Quite a few I predict.

Not to mention an influx of Americans. Most of note are Omegas, and quite a few have been spotted in the company of Steven Turco the third. Maybe taking multiple Omegas is an American thing? Second sons, and Alphas have already been seen packing their bags. For when old money trickles out, the new starts coming in.

We are already aware that the Turco Fortune rivals a lot of our own, but this author has found just how deep those pockets go. One million? Two Million? Try 30 million. Steven the second branched out from railways to real estate. While some of us focus on matches within our home country, will one of our ladies brave the new world? Certainly they will live a life of luxury.

While London streets have emptied out, country roads have never been busier. As I predicted.

Just like I predict we will have a royal wedding by the end of the season. Can you guess which princess will be wedded? My money is on those who have already been bedded.

Who was the lucky lord? That is a secret I shall keep for now. As they have gathered quite a floral arrangement.

Be kind to one another ladies, and gentlemen. And be warned. I am always watching.

Lady Whistledown

—------------------------------------

By the time she was strong enough to ride it was nearing the time of the barn raising. She sent Costia back to London to bring back an invitation for the princesses to join her. What was once popular in England was a near weekly occurrence in the colonies. She had been to her fair share of barn raising’s, and was strong enough to participate.

The time away from London she used wisely. She honed her body working out when she was strong enough to walk. Cutting down trees, carrying logs, shaping the wood. She was ready to show off her body to her mate by the time she arrived.

But as much as she longed to see her, she stayed away. She hid with the farm hands, and other workers. Bellamy was the only one aside from her mother who knew which side she was working on. 3 barns were set up, and ready for those that started to arrive.

Clarke watched with her team, as the Lords and Alphas practised. Most of them had never swung a hammer in their life. It would be fun. Already the wives, and Omegas of her team were working on their food.

It was going to be truly an American experience. The pig was already spinning above a tended fire. Corn was being husked, peas shucked. Butter was being churned.

To add some fun for the ladies, she acquired the necessary equipment and ingredients. There would be buttery churning for the women to participate in. Her mother already had her sleeves rolled up.

Her grandmother had requested items for a sewing circle so she added that as well. Their cooks were likely going to create most of the meals. So any Lady or Princess would need to be entertained.

“We will beat them won’t we Duke?” One of the young lads from the country asked.

“Of course lad. Though I fear those that have worked on the Blake estate will give us a run for
our money.” Clarke answered honestly.

The idea to add a third barn, and bring workers from her estate to complete it was all hers. The Lords and Alphas of society vs those from the Blake lands and their lords vs those from her neighbouring Arkadia lands. One for the pigs, cows, and plough horses.

“Did we put money on it?” He asked.

Clarke smiled. The lad was bright. They needed a school on their lands. It was time. She had travelled all over, and realised how many people were held back because of their station. She reached into her pockets, and pulled out 40 pounds and handed it to the lad.

“You see that man there?” Clarke asked, pointing to her uncle Steven who was getting ready to help Lincoln organise the Lords. “You say we pooled our money, and wish to place a bet. He never misses an opportunity. Lord Blake is with him and will likely join.”

The lad raced off and Clarke hurriedly worked on the flower she was carving. They were Charlotte's specialty, she found one in her fathers study and got the idea. She had cuts all over her fingers, the flower was stained with her own blood. It was a flower. Not as good as Charlottes but still distinguishable as one.

When the lad came back, she looked to where he had come from. Bellamy had the money in the air and shook it. He let her know he accepted her bet. Her Grandfather Steven collected it from him, and winked at her.

“Now. This is important.” Clarke handed him the flower, and 3 coppers for his help. “I need you to get that to that Princess right there,” she said pointing to Lexa who was sharing tea with
Costia, and surprisingly the Queen. Octavia was also there, but she was watching her betrothed as he took his shirt off. “Not the Queen. Not any other princesses. It must be placed in the hands of our future Queen. Understood?” Clarke asked him.

He nodded and scampered off. Clarke moved away from the workers and jumped on her horse. It was a quick ride to the Blake estate, and she found the room her mate was staying in. She left her favourite book wrapped up for her. A note in-between the pages for her to find, for when she got to it. Then she raced back to the barn, and joined the workers meeting at the middle barn.

“I would just like to thank you all for coming. My parents estate burned down many years ago, and thanks to the help of the Griffins. I have been able to slowly rebuild it.” Bellamy told the workers on one side. The ladies and Omegas had all gathered on the other.

“We have many hard working people on my lands, and I intend to take a wife who understands the meaning of a hard day's work. Butter churning stations have been set up, horses are tied with ploughs waiting for someone to stand on them. Then there is a cross stitching station. This will be a long day ladies and gentlemen. Bets have been placed, and the Omega and Beta women of the nearby lands are working on creating quite a feast for us to enjoy afterwards.” Bellamy gestured to those hard at work.

“When the Queen's trumpeter blows his horn we can set up the first sides on the base. The Princess Alexandria has been kind enough to donate some of her dresses for the wives of the winners. I am also giving away piglets, and new farm tools. Thank you all for helping me turn my families estate back into a working one. Let the day begin,” Bellamy announced.

Clarke caught the eye of her princess giving her a dazzling smile when she noticed her carving was in her hand. She quickly turned as to not get caught by more of the princesses. Her crew was on the move and so was she.

"Are you ready?” Marcus asked her. His sleeves were already rolled up.

She couldn’t roll up her own. Her scar would cause too many questions. She would have it covered soon though. Tattooing over it would be the best option. So until then it was under a leather band just like her other arm.

“I am,” Clarke smiled and took her place amongst the team. “Let’s prove to everyone why Arkadia’s lands and people are the best England has to offer!” Clarke shouted to her team and they cheered.

The horn sounded and her team rushed to get the prebuilt walls in place. She hoisted the rope with the rest of her team as others nailed them into place. Once the walls were up her teams started to work on the roof.

Those that weren’t participating were walking around. Some of the ladies had ventured over, and she noticed a blanket getting set up a ways away. In the distance she chanced a look and the other teams were nearly as far along.

“Steady hands,” Clarke called out, when she noticed some shaking as the pieces for the roof were being pulled into place.

She hammered her side in as Marcus and another stabilised two support beams. More of her team hammered in their ends as they worked down the line to finish the roof beams. Side boards were already being carried over by some of the older lads, while younger ones ran to fetch nails and tools.

By the time she climbed down she was feeling the heat. She allowed her braces to fall as she pulled away her shirt. Her breast band, and arm braces were the only parts of her torso which were covered, as she went over to fetch a glass of water.

Clarke noticed the princess staring at her, and she smiled. She walked over to her and Costia. Ryder pushed her away from approaching further. Likely thinking her some commoner in her outfit. “Let the Duke pass Ryder,” Alexandria ordered.

“Would you ladies hold onto this for me? I have some dresses to win,” She smiled at Lexa who returned it.

"And what would you do with my dresses if you win?” Lexa asked sweetly.

“Give them to my lady of course. They should be a perfect fit,” Clarke smiled, and then walked away.

She grabbed a barn board and started to hammer. She eventually climbed up the ladder to work, and hopped from a shorter one to a taller one as their work progressed.

When she next turned around Lexa and Costia weren’t alone. The rest of the princesses were there, and a few others. All of them watched her, and she quickly turned to the side of the barn that would hide her from their stares.

No such luck. Josephine braved walking through the labourers, and her crew gave her a wide berth. “This isn’t a place for Princesses. You can get hurt,” Clarke said knowing she was the only one with authority on their site.

All eyes turned to the princess. Some of her workers dropped a hammer on another one. A sideboard hit another in the head. Her scent was more of a distraction than her appearance. Full of arousal and all directed at her. “You are distracting the workers Princess.”

“But not you?” She pouted.

“I have a barn to raise.”

“I’ve missed you Alpha. Escort me back and I promise to leave you alone,” Josephine grabbed her arm and Clarke turned her around. "At least until tonight,” Josie pumped out her scent, as she took liberties touching her bare flesh.

“You ladies should join the other local women, and Omegas. See what their lives are like. I can guarantee that the small folk have similar duties in all of your countries. A sovereign should always understand the daily lives of their people, so they may appreciate what they have been given.” Clarke stated when she arrived in the area with the other princesses.

“Very true,” Alexandria stated as she got up.

Clarke smiled. None of the other princesses seemed to move. “In the americas it is customary for a single lady to create a plate of the things she made for an Alpha or a male she is interested in. Often inviting the man or Alpha to join them on a blanket they made to enjoy food they laboured over. I am quite fond of food. Butter especially,” she said, noticing the empty seats by the equipment.

She hurried back to join her men, and apologised. “Let's win this thing men, and I can treat you to some american whiskey.”

“Even me?” The youngest lad on her crew asked her.

He had been the one she sent on errands earlier. She ruffled his hair as he passed. “Even you lad. But only a nip.”

That had her men putting in the work. She was dripping in sweat. She could feel it falling down her stomach. It would only be worse on the roof, but she climbed up there, and aided the workers with only one long side at the back of the barn remained.

“Good work Arkadians,” her mother called and waved at them.

Clarke noticed Marcus smile at her. There could be something there. Her mother deserved happiness. Marcus could never replace her father, but when was the last time she had seen her mother dance.

“Ask her to dance tonight, if you wish."

"It is not custom.”

Clarke laughed. “We are celebrating as colonists tonight. Mother won't refuse,” she smiled reassuringly at him. “Especially if we win.” Clarke added.

“Pass up those pieces men,” Marcus called. “The four of you focus on bringing the planks for the roof up, on this side.” He ordered before climbing through the trusses to do the same on the other side.

She put her back into it, and when her side was over halfway done she climbed to the top of the roof to get a good look at the competition. They were in the lead. Bellamys group was close, and Lincoln could be heard along with her grandfather who started to help.

“Good job. Almost done,” Clarke shouted, as she lowered herself to help set in the last of the pieces.

Once their barn was done her people gathered in front of the refreshment station. The younger lads were likely to get in the way when helping the rest. Or the Lords were likely to baulk at their company.

“Lord Blake and his team have things in hand. Let's help the aristocracy,” Clarke said to the men once they had some bread and water in them. “Adults only. I have a special job for you lads,” Clarke said, separating them.

The men went off to help with Marcus at the head of their column. She then turned to the lads. She had the older lads run back to her estate for her to get the whisky. The 4 of them likely would sample some before it got to them but they had earned it, and deserved to live a little.

To the younger lads who ranged from 12-7 she sent on various tasks. The two oldest she sent to help some of the young girls of Arkadia with carrying food to the tables that were being filled. Next she sent 3 in the middle over to Bellamy to ask where they could help. The four youngest she sent to gather flowers to give to the princesses. A task they were reluctant to do until she told them they would be the ones handing them out.

“Duke Griffin,” Lincoln smiled and clasped her arm. “I was wondering where you were.”

“Arkadians are my people, Lord Trigeda. Where do you need me?”

“On the roof if it's not too much trouble.”

Clarke climbed up there and realised she was pretty much alone. It was her team up there. “Are all you Lords scared of heights? I had boys on my team climbing higher."

That set a fire under a few. Lord Jasper Jordan was the first to climb up, and she helped him get his feet. She shook his hand, and sent him over to Mr. Vie who headed most construction projects in Arkadia.

Next up was Monty. He got up his legs and raised a beam up in the air before tripping. She jumped down after him feeling the burn on her stomach, but she didn’t regret it. He followed her right back up and apologised.

“I have my lads bringing back some whisky. A few cups and I won’t feel it.” She said as he tried to pick out a sliver.

Lord Monty was a friend. He also preferred the company of men, or Alphas to be precise. “You should sit out. I can't apologise enough.”

“I lead from the front Lord Green,” Clarke stated before grabbing a plank that was passed up.
Clarke set it in place and Monty helped to hammer it in. She heard Wells on the far side. The wall was complete. Lincoln left his spot so Wells could take over his station. Her uncle was heard speeding the plank carriers along.

“You shouldn’t be up here like that," Lincoln said lowly.

She looked down and realised she was bleeding quite a bit, and in more places than just her stomach. Clarke shook her head. He was right, but like she stated to Monty she led by example.
"Almost there my Lords,” Clarke shouted after a few more minutes.

Once both sides of the roof were in place she slid down the ladder. Perhaps she was feeling a bit woozy. “Duke Griffin,” the lads called with her kegs instead of keg. She laughed at them and sent them over to get cups.

“Arkadians over here,” Clarke shouted to her men.

Cups were quickly handed out amongst her men as they gathered in line. She lifted her mug to them and stood up on the table. “You earned this. Now let's show these lords how to enjoy all their hard work,” she said to them.

“Here, here,” Queen Becca said, and all her men bowed. “Duke Griffin please let someone attend to you, already one of the princesses has fainted,” The Queen pointed to a rather large blanketed area where indeed one of them was getting looked after by a doctor.

Where was Lexa? She didn't spot her.

“I can help you Duke,” Maya Vie offered.

“I hurt my hand,” Jasper said, holding it up.

“Help Lord Jordan he was brave enough to be the first Lord to work on the roof,” Clarke told Vincent's daughter. The man in question followed after his daughter.

Clarke went over to where her family had set up a tent. Her uncle and grandfather were already being looked after. Octavia was doing the same with Lincoln a little ways away. Cold tea with lemons and a few cakes on their blanket. He nodded to her, and Octavia looked happier than she had ever seen her.

“Where is Raven?” Clarke asked her mother, as she started to pick out her splinters.

“Likely still on the ploughs. She challenged Anya to a race.” Her mother said.

“Did you churn butter sister?” Clarke asked Reese.

“I stitched with grandmother. Want to see?” Her sister asked and she agreed.

Flowers. Not uncommon for her sister. “It is lovely sister. Have any of the men caught your eye?”

“No.”

“Maybe we should take you back to America then,” her uncle offered, and she met eyes with the woman who was with him. One of her workers from the whore house. Her uncle said there would be Omegas waiting for him upon their return from Germany. She looked around and she noticed a few more and laughed. Harper caught her eye and made her way over to them.

“Harper,” Clarke smiled. The woman bowed to her, and she introduced the Omega to her family.

She was Mr. Vandervoorts bastard. A name her mother recognized, and invited her to sit and chat to her children about the colonies. Thankfully her grandfather didn’t mention her profession.
Lexa and Costia approached their tent with her shirt in hand. “Duke,” Costia curtseyed, and handed her back a shirt with some floral additions.

“I had arranged a blanket as is custom,” Lexa spoke and Clarke noticed her smile slowly fade. “But it will be shared with the other princesses. If you would like to join us.”

Clarke handed Madi the bloody rag and her sister held it up in disgust. “Ew. Her mother came with wrappings and Clarke slowly turned and noticed the princess watching her. Once she was all wrapped up she put her shirt back on and pulled up the straps to her pants.

“Duke,” the young lad from before approached with the others and baskets full of flowers. Some little girls were with them as well, and Clarke smiled at them.

“Do you want to help the lads hand out flowers?” Clarke asked the girls who nodded. “I think those are more than the princesses need. So how about you come with me and they can pick some out. Then you can hand them out to the rest of the ladies.”

She gave Lexa her arm, and her mate gently touched her wrist. “I’m fine." She whispered.

“I watched you nearly fall off a roof. You are not fine. I shall be keeping you within my sight.” The princess whispered back.

“What is this?” Luna asked.

“Flowers for the princesses,” the youngest blushed as he showed her the basket he carried over.

“Take your pick Princesses.” Clarke told them.

Luna quickly interacted with the children. Josephine looked disgusted when a little girl got close to her, and Clarke quickly intervened. “I like that one," she said to the young girl. She blushed and then ran off to hide behind her sister's skirts.

“Lemonade for the children,” Lexa ordered her servants which were close at hand.

The wonder in their eyes at tasting it was worth it. Even her mate was smiling as she handed young Otto a glass. “We were promised something else,” one of the lads said. “Whi see.” He said.

Clarke laughed and caught the attention of the lads who brought over the barrel. One of them came over. “Fill a pitcher of Whiskey and bring it to me please, and if you can bring over Otto’s parents I would appreciate it."

“I don’t have any parents.” Otto said to her shock, but the older lad was already gone.

He brought back a pitcher and an older gentleman. The children were just finishing up their lemonade. She had Costia grab her a glass for the older man who quickly got to his knees. “I'm sorry if the lad is bugging you your graces."

“Not at all,” Clarke assured and handed him the glass. Then she only put a little in her own and handed it to the boy who was brave enough to ask. "It's called Whisky and only a sip. There is enough there for you four lads to share.” Clarke said firmly.

When he coughed and shook his head a few of the princesses chuckled with her. "Your relation to Otto?”

“The lad helps on the farm. Took him in after his mother died.”

"Then you won’t mind if I take him with me. You won’t be put out?”

“We will manage Duke,” the man said.

She waved him off and told the lad to find her after he made sure all the flowers were handed out to the ladies. More food was being laid out. Couples had paired off on blankets. She noticed Mia Vie and Lord Jordan sitting under the watchful eye of the woman’s father.

Formalities were out the window. She wasn’t about to let them call her Duke, or her grace, when they were all princesses. She was simply Clarke. And she needed to figure out where the hell she was going to sit.

“You were quite brave earlier,” The Danish princess said, getting her attention. “I churned some butter for you, would you like to try?” She asked spreading some on a piece of bread.

This needed to be more organised. Especially with the Queen setting up her table and chairs beside them. Queen Becca would be there soon. She was walking with Indra around the grounds speaking to this Lord and that as Bellamy made similar rounds. Lexa was still standing as was Costia.

“Thank you," she said, accepting the piece of food.

“Sit down,” Josephine said tugging on her arm.

Clarke looked to Lexa, and then beyond her. Everyone was getting organised and one of the fiddlers had started to play. The people from her lands and Bellamys were clapping along, to keep rhythm as some of the younger couples danced.

“I think I need to dance. If I sit now I won’t be getting up again to do it later.” She explained and all of them rushed up. “Lady Costia, and I frequently share first dances, so no need to break with tradition,” Clarke was quick to offer her arm to her. “Then after I am worn out. I would love to hear about how you ladies helped out. We can enjoy what some of you created, and enjoy the music and laughter."

“If you call this music,” Josephine spoke snidely.

She ignored her, and approached the dancers, and took Costia in hand. She spun with her, and then changed partners quite a few times. She laughed and enjoyed herself. She noticed that Lexa offered to dance with one of the younger children and her heart went out to her mate.

When Lexa found herself on her arm Clarke pulled her closer than most. “I love seeing you with the people.”

That was all she was able to get out. The princesses who didn't know the dance soon figured it out. She spun with them until the song changed and they bowed out for the next one. Clarke quickly grabbed some water, and noticed Lexa being spun around by an eager young lad.

"Allow me. The Princess doesn't know this one,” she said, crossing her hands to take hers.

She was thankful for the change. It was a single partner dance, and she put Lexa through the motions, and breathed in her scent. “I missed you. Thank you for the changes to my shirt,” she said referring to the flower she knew Lexa stitched on the sleeve above her wound.

“Thank you for my flower.” Lexa smiled.

“Now we both have something to clutch as we make it through the event.”

“Josephine is most wrought.” Lexa said and Clarke chanced a look.

Sure enough. Josephine looked angry. “I can’t wait for her to leave.”

“She may not. She seems to think she is carrying the Duke's child,” Lexa hissed, and Clarke tripped falling on her back and pulling Lexa down on top of her.

Clarke quickly checked Lexa over as she scented the air to make sure she was alright. “It isn’t true,” Lexa said quietly and then added. “You aren’t a better dance partner,” Lexa scowled, and then slowly was helped off of her. “I think I shall go sit down."

She watched Lexa leave, and Josephine was quick to take her place. Clarke danced with her, and every other princess before deciding enough was enough. Clarke made her excuses and found Bellamy.

“Need help handing out the prizes?” Clarke asked, drawing him away.

“Most people would be basking in the attention of that many princesses. I know I would be."

“Come join us after. They won't refuse me. Just give me a little time to breathe.”

Bellamy agreed and they went and got the pigs and a wagon's worth of tools. “The dresses Clarke."

Clarke most certainly did not forget the dresses. “I shall ask the princess where they are,” she quickly ran off with one of her better excuses to get a moment to speak with Lexa.

“Princess Alexandria, Lord Blake is going to gift the Arkadians with the winnings. Could you show me to the dresses.”

Lexa got up as did Costia. A maid also followed behind but at a distance. It allowed her to get closer to Lexa. “I promise I shall never let another woman fall on top of me,” Clarke said, hoping that Lexa understood their meaning as they walked by couples sharing meals, and children playing games.

“Or Omega?” Lexa smiled sweetly at some of the people they passed by.

"Or Omega. Just give me one more chance to prove myself to you, and I promise you it will be the best dance of your life.”

Her Omega smiled as she laughed. Costia smiled at her and stepped back to the maid as Clarke held out her arm to the Omega. Not many hung near the house, and they could be closer to one another and whisper without being overheard. She tilted her head closer to Lexa and looked over her as she inhaled deeply.

“I will live for you Lexa. I will fight for us. I want you and every part of you when you are ready.”

Lips tugged into a playful smile as Lexa raised her brows. “How long will you wait, I wonder.”

Clarke looked around and then pressed the Princess inside the doorway blocking the view of Costia and the maid whom she slowed down. Clarke leaned forward and captured her lips and Lexa pressed her hand against the top of her chest.

They only pulled away when the door creaked open. “Not long to kiss you again I hope.”

“Tonight?”Lexa asked. She could totally sneak into Bellamy's castle. Getting into her rooms though would be difficult from the inside. Harder to climb from the outside. Lexa knew what she was asking though.

“As my Queen commands.” Clarke promised.

Lexa pointed at the boxes. It was easier to carry all the dresses without them. Costia, Lexa, and the maid each carried two while Clarke carried 5 over each shoulder. The ladies laughed because she couldn't even be seen through all the folds of the dresses.

Otto found her, as she walked and the ladies spoke with him and she merely followed the sounds of their voices. Most of the crowd had started to gather when they saw them walk through. Bellamy was standing beside the barrels that had been brought over. Upon their approach he stood up on a couple of the men's shoulders.

“Arkadia won. Simple as that. Thank you for all your help everyone. Let us get these prizes handed out to the winners so we can enjoy the rest of this food, enjoy each other's company, and take a much needed rest.”

“We want a rematch.” One of Bellamy's men declared.

It could suit her needs. But she needed a school. “Arkadia accepts a rematch if you do Lord Blake but I have need of a school."

“A school?” One of the mothers looked eagerly at her as she held onto her four children.

Most of their attention was on her which was good. “Yes. A school. Doctor Santiago at the zoo will need more handlers eventually. The lands are growing and we have need of builders, and those that can draw. Most of you live near our keeps so what do you say Bellamy. We set them up before harvest. Mine on my lands near the keep. Yours somewhere over there.” Clarke pointed away from the castle.

“How do we determine who wins?” One man on her side asked.

“We all do you dolt,” the woman cried and then kissed one of her children on the head. “We will be there your grace,” the woman curtsey and had her kids bow. Then all of the people followed aside from those of high society.

The items were handed out with less flare. She tried not to growl whenever a dress was pulled from her pile by one of the men, to bring over to their wives or daughters. Her winnings were brought over by her grandfather, and she ended up passing pounds between the men and boys who had all aided her. It was more than a few earned a month.

When the last dress was pulled from her, she wanted to growl at one of the older lads but he noticed the hopeful eyes of a young Omega behind him. She gave it up, and was no longer blanketed in her mate's scent, but Lexa was still nearby. Now speaking to the mother who first bowed to her.

“Can I steal the princess?” Clarke asked the woman who curtseyed to them both.

Her people were happy. Some showing off piglets they had on a collar with ribbon leash. Others showed sharpened tools. A few had already put on the dresses. “You didn't like when they took my dresses." She stated as she walked her over to the blanket. “What would you have done with one.”

“Slept with it probably,” Clarke answered honestly.

“Come to my chambers tonight,” Lexa said before parting.

The princesses all had platters of food. By now they had noticed what was common. Clarke took the offerings from each plate. She spoke to them about building the school and her hopes for those that lived on her lands.

Otto was exhausted by the time he returned, his hands were green as grass. "What happened lad?” Clarke asked.

“We ran out of flowers.” He looked like he was about to cry.

“The others left you when you wanted to pick more, didn't they?” She asked quietly, coming to the conclusion. She opened her arm for the lad and gestured to him to walk forward. “And you wanted to make sure all the ladies got a flower didn’t you.” She guessed pushing the hair out of his face.

“Well that deserves a reward.” Princess Alexandria said and patted the seat beside her. “Otto was it?” She asked and the lad nodded. “Come eat with me, and I shall get you some more lemonade as a reward.” Lexa said and looked towards the maid who nodded and went off.

Lexa was good with him. He wanted to cry. He was exhausted, but she looked after him as she would have done. She smiled and pumped out her scent letting Lexa know just how pleased she was.

“We are going back to Griffin house,” her mother declared.

There were quite a few people heading back to Griffin house. “Aden,” Clarke called over her brother. He looked just as exhausted as Otto. Thankfully there were carriages being brought over. “Can you take Otto back to the house, and see what old clothes fit him. He is coming back with us to London. I have need of a runner, and he has proven his worth.”

“More than,” Lexa said as she brushed his hair out of his eyes.

Otto got up and left with Aden. Her brother loved meeting new people, and took up the mantle of escorting him to the carriage. Her mother nodded to her before getting in with them.

“Bye sister,” Reese said to Charlotte who was waiting by the Queen.

Madi was being carried by Marcus. Her sisters all joined him in another carriage. While her mother and grandfather waited for another.

Bellamy came over to join them, and she introduced him and the ladies made space for him. Next her uncle approached, along with Harper and a few ladies. Her uncle loved the attention they gave him. He spent thousands of dollars in her business, and on them.

Introductions were made but ultimately the change of topic turned into how all those women knew her. Lexa even looked interested, when she wasn't glaring at them or her cousin.

“We work for her,” Harper stated.

"You work for the Duke.” The Queen asked, appraising them all. Shit… Crap... She was dead.

“In Manhattan,” another added.

Her uncle spoke up realising the bind he had just put her in. “I invited them your majesty. Most have fathers who invest with my own, and a few hold positions in Clarkes businesses."

"What businesses?” Josie asked, putting pressure on him. She knew exactly what businesses.

“Time for bed princesses, we are leaving early for London.” The Queen said quickly.

They all got up and left, and took their blankets with them. Clarke was sore when she got up. The sun was starting to set, and most people who hadn't left were those staying nearby.

“We are going to Costia’s the Lady has been kind enough to let us stay there, while the Queen and her Princesses stay at my estate,” Bellamy said and called Lincoln over, and a few of the other lords.

Clarke went with them. They walked together. Her uncle pulling out cigars, and telling embarrassing story after embarrassing story. Lincoln told the men stories of their time fighting.
When they arrived at the estate there were more girls. "I promise men. Best girls in the trade. And men,” her uncle boasted as he led some forward. He turned back to her and drunkenly slurred. “I love Lady Costia Greene.”

Oh he must have been planning this with Bellamy, somehow. Her uncle had the ladies set up card tables, and such in the main room. Already Omegas were making love with each other in corners. She stuck near her uncle and Bellamy invited Lincoln to play poker with them. She needed to buy time before sneaking back to the Blakes castle.

Another thing she had to do was lose her shadow. The Queen had Gustus following her almost everywhere. So hopefully she could dose him and slip away unhindered. It would be easier if he took interest in one of the Omegas but he didn’t.

She kept herself tucked into the table, and enjoyed her cigar. Her uncle on the other hand had a girl on each leg and another to hold and play his cards. Lincoln was like her, but didn't smoke. Bellamy was enjoying his cigar and the attention of Fox.

“Ladies!!” Harper shouted, getting their attention. They did a dance together that had all the Lords watching. She had seen it before and looked out the window. The moon was starting to rise. There was a way out behind the dancing ladies. She folded. She was drunk. Happy, and about to see her mate.

Clarke cut through the dancing ladies and started to run. She knew this keep well. Just like she knew of the Blakes. She was sweating by the time she made it back to the Blakes keep. She saw one of the windows open, and found her way up. Once the ground patrol moved out of sight she climbed up the nearby tree, and then up the roof, down the side dropping into the balcony just as the guards below passed one another.

The rooms smelled of Lexa. She walked over to the source of the scent who was reading by candle light. "Thank you for my book.”

Lexa set down the candle, and approached her. "You smell like Omegas,” she growled.

“Take that up with Costia and my uncle.” Clarke told her, and explained where she went, and what happened.

They stayed up talking. Lexa invited her into her bed, but it required her to have a sponge bath. So she went behind the modesty cover, and cleaned herself off. She was quite dirty. Also very cut up.

She changed into a loose fitting nightdress. it wasn’t something she was used to wearing but she would do just about anything to be near Lexa. “Now you smell better.” Lexa said, nuzzling into her neck.

Questions asked and answered until they fell asleep together. Lexa nuzzled against her neck, as Clarke pumped out her scent into the room. She was happy. For the first time in a long time she felt complete.

Clarke woke up to Lexas soft kisses against her exposed collarbone. She moaned and her cock instantly hardened and Lexa felt it. She reached a hand for it, but Clarke grabbed her hand.
Lexa looked at her, and Clarke placed that hand over her racing heart. “I can’t wait to see you again Lexa. May I call upon you this week?”

“Opera Wednesday,” Lexa panted looking no better than she felt.

She slowly removed herself from the bed, and checked the closet to see if any of Bellamy's clothes could fit her. Few did. Lexa laughed as she emerged because it was terrible. Purple shirt, green vest, brown pants, and an orange jacket. Her boots were the only things that actually fit.

“I love you,” Clarke said to Lexa. She walked over to the bed, and kissed her before going out on the balcony, and dropping down to the gravel.

Clarkes head was swimming with possibilities as she found her horse in the stables. She rode quickly back to her house, and changed in her rooms before joining the family for breakfast. Gustus was there and he looked pissed off. It was worth it. She was happier than she had ever been, and was looking forward to Wednesday.

Chapter Text

Barns weren’t the only things being raised at the Blake estate this weekend. Questions were raised about the Duke’s businesses in the colonies and certainly her sanity. Talk about one's lack of care for self.

The Duke of Arkadia hid amongst her team and led them to victory. Then led her team over to our Lords and Alphas. It comes as no surprise that those used to pushing papers couldn’t pull their weight. Few struggled to carry a single board.

By the time the Duke arrived with their team few braved the heights of the roof. The Duke climbed the ladder, and invigorated others to join her. Upon that roof Lord Monty Green lost his balance and nearly his life.

Our beloved Duke, the quick thinker dove into action. While Lord Green will bear the mental scars the Duke bore the physical ones. For it is likely the Duke is still picking out splinters from their striking body.

Lord Jasper Jordan was seen eating from a young maidens hand. Not a high born, but one with high honours. She was seen fixing the injured Lord's hand, but before that, she churned butter with princesses, turned out potato salads, entertained children, and made sweet tea. Whatever it was that caught the Lord's attention, has had him inviting her to his estate.

As the Queen and princesses stayed at the Blake estate the men were invited to Collins house. Collins house and its lands now belong to the Duke of Arkadia, first baron of the yet to be renamed estate. The duke has many siblings to choose from yet it is to Lady Costia Greene the house was gifted to.

We cannot assume that the Duke has chosen her as her match. The former Lord Collins left the house in such a state of disrepair it is likely the Duke has the Lady staying there to set it to rights. As the family is a long time friend of the Griffins, this author deduced that nothing is amiss about the situation.

Lord Bellamy Blake and other Lords were invited back to the house to smoke cigars, and enjoy the hospitality of Steven Turco the third. He was the one who acquired the entertainment, and entertained they were. Into the early morning, and on into the next day. American entertainment indeed.

Lady Raven Collins doesn’t seem to mind not returning to her former keep. She was seen in the company of Alpha Anya Forrester. Anya is no longer wearing the royal guard uniform. Did she do something to get dismissed, her intentions are known, and Lady Raven enjoys them. They disappeared for a long while during the festivities. Ploughing fields indeed.

As we return from the estates and back into the city can we expect to see the princesses out on the town. They have turned many heads, but one of them is as sour as a lemon, and has the temper of a raging inferno. So I will not name them, but you know who you are dear. Just like the rest of the readers do. Some subjects simply don't need to be named.

Good luck princesses, for you are all on my radar now

Lady Whistledown

—--------------------------------------------

Wednesday couldn’t come fast enough. Her grandmother had found ladies to help the princesses prepare for events. None were up to Josephine's standards of course. Her grandmother often dismissed herself because of headaches. Which left her alone to entertain 7 foreign princesses. Not an easy feat.

She was in the dining room for lunch when her grandmothers butler arrived. “The Duke of Arkadia is here ma’am.”

“Send her in Lord knows there is more than enough food.”

Lexa smiled inwardly. She wasn't the only one that wanted the Duke. Clarke was the Alpha of the highest station available in the country. Her cousin made it no secret she wanted Clarke to make her her wife. The other princesses were more subtle. Like how she was with Costia they gathered all the information they could find.

Which was in the form of Lady Whistledown. Lexa hated them reading certain bits. It only brought out Josephine's worse side. Bragging about being the princess she bedded in Greece. Confirming that Luna was there as well. Then speaking about other times they had been together.

It didn’t deter the other princesses, and it wouldn't deter her. Luna had surprisingly been of help. Though she was secretive about it. No one wanted to be on her cousin's bad side. But Luna had insinuated Clarke wasn't in her right mind. It was something she wanted to talk to the Alpha about but she didn't know how to bring it up.

“I’m eating for two grandmama,” Josephine stated, and she wasn't the only one in the room to roll her eyes.

"Sure you are dear,” her grandmother patted her hand.

Clarke came into the room wearing a suit of deep green with a lighter shirt. “Have you finally come to call on one of the princesses?” The Queen asked. Her mate furrowed her brow.

“I was hoping to speak with you alone,” Clarke said firmly and chanced a glance in her direction.
Her grandmother smiled wickedly. “Surely if you wanted to ask for one of the princesses' hand in marriage you would call upon them, and court them properly.”

Her mate breathed in deeply. Her temper rose, and Lexa pumped out her scent a little to try and calm her down without being noticed. Most of the princesses had eyes on the Alpha, but Clarke had her eyes locked on her grandmother.

“Josephine needs a date to the ball on Friday at the Frosts. I expect you to be here after dinner.” Her grandmother ignored whatever she saw on Clarkes face.

Jealousy scented through the room. Her own included, as hard as she tried to stop it.
“I shall be here on Friday to pick up Josephine," Clarke nodded to her cousin, and Josephine tried to seduce her with a smile, and her needy scent. “But it would be rude of me to not extend the same courtesy to the other princesses while they are here. Dance cards have 8 slots, and I shall fill out my name on each of the princesses cards.” Clarke wasn't slowing down. “And I shall escort each of them to a ball in turn to get to know them better."

“You are bold,” her grandmother stated.

“And you promised the princesses an eligible bachelor, and me a princess. It is only fair that I choose a match for love. Or was it not a love match you had with your late husband."

Oh no. Wrong thing to bring up. Her grandmother's face morphed into anger quickly, and Clarke didn’t apologise. Her mate held her ground. “I promise I shall court all princesses equally. Starting now,” Clarke clapped her hands, and Otto came into the room.

The young man held 8 boxes, and Clarke pulled a velvet box out of her pocket and got down on her knees before the Queen. “You have yet to name a diamond of the season, so I give you one instead,” Clarke opened the box and Lexa leaned in with the rest of the princesses to get a better view. Inside was the largest diamond she had ever seen. “I plan on giving its sister to the princess I intend to marry when the season is through. With your blessing or course.”

“And if I don't give it?”

Clarke smiled wickedly. “The princess would have to say yes first.”

“I say yes,” Josephine stated, and the girls all started to fight.

“Girls…. Girls,” her grandmother said a little more loudly, and rubbed at her temples.

“I have something that can help your headache. If only you would give me a private audience.”

“Very well. Very well.” Her grandmother stood up. “Girls please stand in a line so that the Duke can hand out your gifts.”

Lexa rose, and made her way over to the other princesses who had decided where to stand. She waited at the end of the line as Clarke approached the first princess. Her cousin Josephine opened the large box, and held up the necklace and spun around. Clarke put it around her neck and then did the same with the other princesses.

“Thank you your grace,” Lexa curtseyed and took the box. The castle was full of hidden alcoves and passageways if she was quick she could hear everything she had to say. So instead of turning around she walked out of the room.

Clarke was hurt. She noticed the pained expression on her face. Otto even looked a bit put off as she passed by him. Lexa had to be quick though. Getting away from the other princesses was proving troublesome, and she no longer had Costia's help.

Her mate was sure enough brought to the drawing room, and she remained hidden behind a bookshelf as she waited for her mate to speak. Clarke was pacing. Which was rather unlike the cool calm deadener she normally possessed.

“My mate came to speak to you, but I must have words as well. I want to marry her, but I need your permission. I seek no dowry. Instead I offer up myself. You cannot put a price on love. My heart is hers and she will forever have it. I will not be forced to wed another.”

“Princess Josephine believes herself to be with child.”

“Then allow her to birth it. If it is mine I shall wed her, but I am not the only Alpha she has been with, and I won't be forced into marrying her.” Clarke growled. She was getting angrier.

“My granddaughter is not some toy you can play with Clarke. I understand you didn't know who she was, but you need to understand that I need to choose who will make a fine ruler.”

“I have led armies into battle. Saved more lives than I have killed. I have bled for this country. For you. I will not hesitate to kill again if it brings me closer to my mate.”

“Careful Clarke. You dance the line of treason.”

“Treason. Ha,” Clarke laughed. “Ooohhh,” Clarke rumbled and thought better of it. “I shall be entertaining your princesses all season. I shall be the perfect gentleman, and treat them all as their station deserves. They will all be going home singing England's praises, and I will secure alliances for the Princess, to help keep the realm secure. You will see. I am the only suitable candidate for her hand.”

“Or you will what? Kill the competition.”

"If I have to,” Clarke grumbled, and then called Otto forward, and Lexa heard her grumble as glass jars bounced against one another. Her satchel full of medicines. Lexa realised.

“Are you going to kill me?” Her grandmother asked.

“No. I also have a headache,” her mate said.

The conversation was done. Lexa knew it. She fit the box within the folds of her dress, and quickly hurried so that she could see her mate. She ended up bumping right into Clarke.

"Escort me to my horse Princess?” Clarke asked.

Lexa walked with her and held her arm. “Thank you for the necklace.”

“You always sit on your grandmother's right, correct?” Clarke asked.

“Yes,” she answered feeling confused.

“Check under your chair tomorrow night. I shall be on the lookout for a place we can meet in secret. This courting will be difficult."

"Worth it I hope.”

Clarke breathed in her scent, and then pumped out her own. They were outside of the keep now. It was nice to be able to smell her mate again. The shirt she kept from Clarkes brave climb into her rooms smelt only mildly of the Alpha now. And she brought it out only to sleep with before tucking it away.

“Lexa, you have made me so happy, just by giving me a chance. I am going to prove to you that I care no matter the difficulty.” Clarke promised. She kissed her hand, and then got in the carriage. Otto, who had been following them, climbed up to sit by the driver, and he nodded to her.

When she got back to the keep she went to her rooms. She had already finished the book Clarke had left her. Now she wanted to look at the necklace.

It was gold. Real gold. Hers looked just like the others. Which made her sad, but she noticed something odd about the box when she put it down. Otto had been the one to hand out the boxes, but how did he know she would be last. Or did all the princesses get the same note that she did.

-Beauty is not on the outside but on the inside

True. Lexa ended up keeping the necklace on her nightstand. She looked it over a few times. it was in the shape of a heart. Engraved with more hearts and flowers. She traced the lines around the back of it, and realised it wasn’t a line. She pressed it, and it opened up into a locket.

Did the rest of them get a locket? Or had they not figured it out. On the inside there was a mirror, and she looked at her reflection, and smiled. Her mate truly knew how to put in effort it seemed.

The following night she was the first in the box. The Princesses were all hoping to catch Clarke. It may have been her idea to mention that the Duke would be there. Josie had scowled at her during breakfast, all because she saw her walk the Duke to their carriage the following day.

She had to act disinterested in a way. It was better not to draw the ire of her cousin. Josephine had already had Jade put butter all over the Princess of Norway's bedsheets, after Clarke ate the butter she had churned. Self preservation. She reminded herself.

Under her seat was a copy of a French play. It was translated into English. Though she could read French. There was so much they didn't know about one another. Lexa sighed. She only had a moment with it before her grandmother came to take her seat. Lexa turned the cover of
The Game of Love and Chance and started to read as the princesses trickled in.

“No Duke?” The Queen asked and Lexa looked over her book to see Josephine turn towards her grandmother from the front of the box.

“Not even a whiff of her," Josie whined.

“I doubt that,” her grandmother said, and pointed to a box across from there's. The princesses all clambered to the front of the box, and waved. “Girls. In your seats.” Her grandmother ordered.

“Jade go get the duke,” Josephine ordered.

Lexa rolled her eyes. Clarke glanced their way a few times, but her younger sister was on one arm, and Reese was on the other. Lexa looked behind her to where Charlotte stood. She had written a thank you note for the Duke. She slipped it from her hand and gave it to Charlotte.

“Go sit with your family. Charlotte. I won't need you during the show," Lexa smiled. Charlotte bowed and walked away.

Her grandmother raised her eyebrow at her, and she rolled her eyes. “Something wrong grandmother?”

Queen Becca just raised her head in the direction of the Griffin box. Clarke rose out of her seat, and had a heated discussion with Josie's Alpha guard. Clarke shut the door, and sat beside her sister once more. Lexa watched for a little longer, and noticed Charlotte was let into the room. Clarke got up to give her sister her seat.

“The Duke wishes for an evening with her siblings and grandparents. She will be promenading tomorrow with her family, and next Wednesday she will be at Somerset house to take in the art, and has invited the Princess.”

Josie smiled and bit her lip. “Told you she wants me,” Josie smiled, and Lexa tuned them out as the show started.

The next day she was riding. It was too hot to be inside a stuffy carriage. Tents were already set up, and she pointed out a shaded spot of her own. While the princesses all took up their own spots along the walk she was confident in her own.

Lexa pulled out the book Clarke had given her and started to read it. She was almost through with it when Otto ran towards her. “Do you have something for me?” She asked, and he smiled and nodded.

He handed her a letter and ran away. Lexa hid it within her book and opened it up.

-Though I will have to escort your cousin to the Frost Ball I shall be eagerly awaiting our dance. I promise I will not fall on top of you.

Clarke didn’t fall on top of her. She also didn't get a break. She escorted Josephine into the ball, but Ontari received the first dance from the Duke. Josephine glared daggers at the girl, and Ontari stared right back.

“I thought the Queen would be here,” Nia Frost said to her.

“The Queen has sent many guards with us. Thank you for the invitation,” Lexa curtseyed for her, and then excused herself to get a refreshment.

Bellamy Blake approached her and held out his hand. She accepted the dance, and then one with Wells, and then one with Clarke’s grandfather. Clarkes uncle cut in next, and then to her surprise Anya showed up.

“I’m sorry.”

“You should be," Lexa growled. Though she doubted that it would have changed things between her and Costia, it certainly could have been different.

Lexa didn’t want to hear her friend's pleas. Clarke was dancing with the Princess of Monaco, and she caught her eye. The scents were getting too much for her. Each princess had to wait her turn and she was done waiting. She needed air so she snuck away, and Ryder followed her outside.

Clarke’s uncle was smoking one of his cigars, and she approached him. He was with the woman named Harper, and she asked about the cigar, and where they came from. He offered her one but Ryder took it.

“Do women smoke in the colonies?”

Harper pulled out a rolled cigarette which smelt funny. It was unlike any she had smelt before. It gave off a similar aroma of a skunk. “We smoke all kinds of things,” she said before Steve pulled her into his side and took the rolled item from her hand.

“Princess. There you are.” Clarke said.

She stepped closer to the Alpha and linked her arm through Clarkes. Ryder was watching over them, as Clarke led her around the house, and back inside.

Clarke danced with her, and then she asked the Alpha to walk her back to her carriage. Clarke waited with her for it to arrive. The benefit of leaving early was that the other princesses were occupied. it gave her a moment alone with the Duke.

“I shall be by tomorrow to call upon the princesses. It won’t be until later, and I won't be leaving without a kiss.”

“Don’t leave without one now then,” Lexa said from inside her carriage and pulled the Duke inside and leaned down. She bit the Duke's lip and then gently ran her tongue across it, eliciting a moan from the Alpha. “Stay with me tomorrow night?”

Her mate smiled brightly, and then bowed to her, “As you command,” Clarke said before closing the door to her carriage.

The following day dragged on. Each Princess spoke of their dance, and the attributes they liked most about the Alpha. Her Alpha. Lexa tried not to let it get to her. She looked at the carved flower daily as well as the other trinkets Clarke had gifted her. She had taken back the cigar from Ryder, and planned on giving it to the Alpha as a reward if she made it into her rooms.

“The Duke has arrived to call upon the princesses."

Clarke walked into the room they were all sitting in. The Alpha had a score of servants walking behind her each carrying various bouquets. As Clarke handed them out her grandmother came in and invited her to stay for dinner. Where Clarke invited them all to Somerset house much to Josephine's disappointment.

The Princesses had stretched out dinner, and eventually she couldn’t take anymore and left to her rooms. The flowers were there on the windowsill and she breathed them in. Each of them had got flowers that matched the colour of their dress the previous night. All bouquets included a little note, hers said see you soon.

Lexa had to wait a few more hours, but she did get to see Clarke. The Alpha brought her own sleeping clothes. Lexa had already changed into hers, and waited for Clarke under the covers. She pulled them back for Clarke to get in.

Her mate pulled her into her arms, and they kissed passionately. Lexa let her hands wander across the Alphas body, as the kiss turned heated. Once again Clarke put a stop to things going further. They spoke at great length between kisses. She showed Clarke the cigar, and her Alpha’s eyes lit up. Clarke was gone by morning. So was the cigar, and in its place was a small book of poetry and another letter.

Chapter Text

Dearest gentle reader,

There are changes coming to the shops that centre around the Royal Exchange. Some shops focus on Colonial wares, such as cotton and fur. Another focuses solely on tobacco. Many varieties I am told, including some of the cigars that have been floating around in higher circles. Have the Turcos rubbed off on us so quickly or are they capitalising on another opportunity.

No lady has caught the eye of the heir to their fortune. Steven the third of his name has been seen in the company of women from the americas. They frequent, tap houses, and dance halls, and stay up partying into the night. No one seems as unsatisfied as those not invited to the private soirees he has been throwing.

28 Park street has turned into his personal residences. Somewhere grand is needed to host all the Americans that followed his ship. Omegas from affluent families that made their fortune as merchants, and land owners, and other means, followed him in hopes of securing him or a better match.

Harper Vander something has been caught in the company of Lord Monty Green. One of the few Lords able to secure an invite to 28 Park Street. Another Lord on the invite list is Jasper Jordan, and he has been awfully sullen since Miss Mia Vie returned to Arkadia. I do not think we have seen the last of her. She was spotted at the dressmakers, is it a wedding dress Lord Jordan had made for her, or will our balls continue to liven with those from the lower ranks of society.

Miss Reyes and her suitor have decided on cohabitation before the wedding. The couple have moved into the apartments the Duke once kept for herself. We all know why Lords keep apartments away from their houses. The Duke of Arkadia has certainly made strides to prove her unwavering fidelity to the princesses. While her sister makes us wonder if Lord Collins wasn't the only unfaithful one in their marriage.

As for unfaithful acts Lord Pike takes the cake this round. Will his engagement to Miss Yama stand when he impregnated the governess assigned to his children's education. She has already been sent back to his country estate. So the question is will Miss Yama be walking down the aisle or running for the hills.

This week at the opera, there was a full house. Every box and seat in the house was taken, leaving others to stand.

The princesses hung out of the royal box to try and get the attention of the Duke. Who will I add arrived early to escort her sister to see the musicians. When asked to sit with the princesses the Duke declined. A family man indeed. More than one Omega went into heat during the show and it wasn't from the actors performance.

Those in the royal box watched another box more than the Opera. While the Queen slept through the second act, our princess was spotted reading throughout the entire show.

Princess Alexandria also was seen leaving the Frost ball early. Could she be bored of societal events already? Or maybe she isn’t prone to the swooning of young ladies. One thing can be certain is that she has finally seen what we all see in the Duke. The best potential suitor England has to offer.

Finally our princess has come to her senses, but that decision is ultimately left up to the crown. Hopefully our Duke can secure her affection before the Queen brings in other suitors at the end of the season. While we, along with the Duke shall return to our estates, the other suitors will be staying in the palace giving ample opportunity to try and win her over.

May the best suitor win,

Lady Whistledown.

—-------------------------------------

Her mate liked candles. She noticed them in Bellamy’s room, and even more were laid out in her own room. Which gave her more ideas than she already had. Clarke swore to herself to make the most of their time together so she would. It just required a lot of effort put in towards the other princesses.

Clarke even had to rope in her family to help. Not that they minded. It kept them busy, and assured them that they would spend time with her.

She sent her uncle and brother out to look at nearby houses. She would like to have her own refuge with trusted servants. A place where she could court the princess, and get to know her better. Along the way they had found some businesses to invest in together.

There was no doubt in her mind that the people brought to her were skilled. As such she put them to the test. Rolling cigars and cigarettes, making toys for her siblings, spinning wool into yarn. Interviewing cooks, and maid servants. She barely had a moment to herself let alone an hour.

Marcus had brought Otto around town, and got him an outfit to match the staff. He was happy, and he was busy. Just as busy as she was except he was running letters to and from the docks, her grandfather and uncle, and bringing summons to various vendors so she could fill up the street she had purchased with her uncle and grandfather with the best the city had to offer.

Raven had moved into her apartments with Anya and she let them be. Her sister was happy, and she could never stay mad at Anya for long. She was one of the few she could talk to about everything she had been through, or done. They would be getting married, but had yet to announce it. Though they planned to honeymoon in the Americas.

Countess Cartwright was a large help in testing out the merchants she sent for. Even finding some herself. Her mother stuck close to her side. Closer than her new guard Gustus.

Madi and Aden were thrilled with all the toys they received, and Reese was happy with the newly dyed strings for her cross stitching. Also with the sheet music she acquired. Piano fortes were not only in the houses of the rich. Which was a market she would capitalise on. She enjoyed music, which was one of the few things she had in common with Reese.

“Are we all going to Somerset house?” Her grandmother asked her at dinner on Tuesday.

“Yes,” Clarke smiled and ate up the excited looks of her siblings. “I have booked out the North Wing, and then we will be having lunch in the gardens.”

“Can I go see the officers train?” Aden asked.

Clarke weighed the merits of it. It would be good. Especially for Lexa to know some of the other generals. Also a warning for the other princesses, who would likely tell their families.

“Yes,” she answered.

On the day of the visit to the castle she arrived with two coaches. She would ride with one group of princesses on the way there, and another on the way back. Lord Blake would be riding with the other princesses, on her behalf.

Luna, and Josie were in the first carriage with the princesses she dubbed least likely to be interested in her. Josephine and Luna each put a hand on her leg, but she was quick to fill them with other things. She pulled out champagne, and handed them each a blank journal so that they could fill it with sketches or whatever caught their eye.

When they finally arrived behind the other carriage her family was already speaking with some students of the arts and their curator. Clarke approached the other princesses and checked that Lord Blake behaved himself. They laughed, clearly feeling the effects of some of the champagne. She handed them each a book and charcoals as well, before meeting with the man who helped her arrange the outing.

“Is everything prepared?” She asked him.

He bowed to her. “Yes, your grace. The food is being prepared as we speak, and drinks are being chilled.”

“Excellent. I would like your students near in case the princesses have any questions about the art,” She said and then met them before introducing them to the princesses.

“My family shall be taking the art in as well, and there is a lunch for us to enjoy afterwards before returning to the palace. I look forward to hearing about your favourite pieces during lunch,” Clarke stated before gesturing for them to follow the curator.

He brought them through a guided tour. She had different princesses on her arms as she broke off to inspect different pieces. Bellamy was escorting one, and she was happy that it was one less princess she needed to pay attention to. Her grandmother had immediately separated Lexa from the herd, and her smile grew whenever they caught each other's eye.

She was most pleased when her family sat in every other chair during lunch. 8 princesses and a mix matched Griffin family. Lexa sat between her mother and grandmother engaging them in conversation as Josie sat to her left, and Luna to her right.

Clarke pulled out her notebook when she asked about the princesses' favourite pieces. She would be staying to complete their gifts before calling upon them the next day. Already she had found the perfect excuse to stay, being a military general and a doctor had its perks.

As scheduled one of their commanders made their approach. Stopped by Gustus, and Ryder. Clarke waved them through, and they introduced themselves to Lexa. Aden jumped out of his seat and tugged at her arm.

“Finish your lunch, and then with the princesses permission, we shall watch a few of their exercises after a final tour of the artwork. Then those who don't wish to watch can stay.” Clarke told him.

After asking the princesses to take her to the pieces that they favoured she got a better idea of who they were. What they liked, and how they viewed life. She marked them down for later. Writing down in her own notebook something they liked or a quality she noticed in them.

Lexa liked many paintings. Her mate had an eye for scenery. Not pictures of people. She hoped that she would like her gift. She had left the book of poems, and was impressed when Lexa spoke one she memorised at one of the pieces that reminded her of it. The passionate Shepherd to his love by Marlowe.

It was with a hurried hand she started Lexa's board. It would be cut by the puzzle maker and she would present them to the princesses on Sunday after a weekend of balls. She would bring them chocolates tomorrow. Something simple, and invite them to the racetrack the following Wednesday.

“General the men were wondering if you would perform for them," another sergeant asked.

So Clarke gathered up the princesses who wanted to see the performance. Which was all of them now that she said she would train with the men.

Clarke got in line with the men, and ran drills with them. She urged them forward, and then shot with them. Then after running the drill she had her men prepare the rifles, and she went from target to target proving just how much of an expert marksman she was.

When one of the men arrived with an injury she was quick to rush in. “I better stay and help. Thank you for a wonderful day ladies. I shall have Lord Blake, and my brother Aden escort you back to the castle, and I shall call upon you tomorrow."

They all left. All but Lexa, who had somehow found an out. Clarke kissed her amongst the art in the gallery.

"Where is your guard?”

“Checking to see if any men have what it takes to be a royal guard.”

Clarke grabbed her hand, and led her away from the wing, and into a deserted room. She pressed her body to Lexa's and let the princess push her into a wall. Her cock hardened quickly in the presence of her mate.

“Lexa,” Clarke moaned breathlessly as the Omega sucked a mark into her neck.

“You are mine Alpha,” Lexa growled, and Clarke let her hands explore the Omegas body.

It wasn’t long before she came untouched. Lexa scented the heir, and Clarke felt her cheeks heat up. “That has never happened before.”

Her mate smiled for a moment, and then it faltered. “I don’t like hearing about you with other Omegas. I know many have come before me."

"You are incomparable," Clarke growled, and pressed her lips against hers. She grabbed Lexa’s hand and slowly brought it lower. Lexa wrapped it around her cock, and she broke the kiss to show Lexa just how much she affected her. “You affect me. Your scent has me ready to explode again, and no past partner has kept my arousal. You have me cumming in my breeches like a pup. My cock is still hard when normally it would soften. You do things to me I never thought possible.”

“I want you Alpha, but I want to take things slow. I am not about to give myself to you, only for you to decide you would prefer the affections of another.”

“Then let me prove my devotion to you. We shall take things slow.”

Lexa’s own scent was full of arousal and she longed to touch her. She wanted to beg to touch her mate. “Can I please you, as you have pleased me?” Clarke finally broke and begged.

“Yes,” Lexa said and Clarke gently cupped her breast as she squeezed her neck. She lifted the Omega up onto a table, and went under her dresses. She kissed up her leg towards her sex, and kissed her clit as Lexa shuddered. Slick pooled at her entrance as her Omega moaned.

“I promise I will make you feel good."

“Hurry Clarke, please,” Lexa begged impatiently.

Clarke slipped a finger inside of her and moaned as she sucked on Lexa's clit. She had never been with a virgin before. As much as Costia had been with Lexa her fingers were smaller in size. Clarke stroked her, as Lexa moaned and ground against her.

“Yes, oh just like that." Lexa moaned as Clarke exhaled her breath warm against her mate's clit as she ran her tongue over it.

Her mate locked her finger inside of her as she came. It was like a vice. They would need to practise more if she ever wanted to take her cock. Clarke didn’t stop at the thought of it. She held Lexa's legs, and made her scream one more time. This time cumming with her just from the scent of her mates heady arousal.

Lexa was breathless but managed to pull her in for a kiss tasting herself on Clarke’s lips. “We must stop. I have already ruined my pants.”

“You came again."

“Yes.” Clarke answered not feeling as embarrassed as before.

Clarke kissed Lexa for a few moments longer before asking for her to leave. She noticed Otto hanging outside of the door. She asked him to bring her spare clothes after bringing the princess to Ryder. He would be able to smell that his princess had enjoyed herself.

Once Otto returned she had him working on his letters and numbers as she started to paint. Glass lamps were brought over to her as she moved about the paintings. She drank tea well into the early hours. She would have the curator deliver the painted pieces. His students would touch them up a bit but her scent would still be on them.

Back at Griffin house her family was just waking up. The chocolate makers had delivered many wares and she tasted them all. There were two makers in particular that stood out so she had Otto send for them and packed up the rest to be brought to the princesses.

After a nap and a bath, she met with the men and proposed an offer. She wanted them to work together. They argued, but she had them interested. They were her top pick and she wanted them to work together, so she sent for the ingredients, and had them work in her kitchen to create something to enjoy upon her return.

At the castle the Queen had the ladies in the drawing room. She stayed for tea. Spoke to the Queen about next Wednesday. Which she agreed to. She also secured an invite to dinner on Sunday, and prayed that the princesses gifts would be ready on time.

Charlotte passed her a letter, and she kept it with her. Just a thank you, and another poem, but one from a different author. Clarke left a letter with Charlotte for Lexa asking if she wished to race against her next Wednesday. She was looking forward to seeing her ride.

On Friday during the day she went with her grandfather to look at suitable homes. Her uncle Steven had bought out 28 park place. Further down was number 82, and it gave her an idea. Since she had to court the other princesses, she would offer them clues to a private date if they could follow them. She kept the sale private and would enter through the rear dressed as a servant.

The price of privacy these days was high. She spent all of Friday on her feet. Lord Monty Green hosted a ball which had her dancing the night away. She loved the musicians he had brought in. She loved dancing with her mate even more. Especially when she smelt of arousal.

Lexa didn’t ask her to sneak into the keep that night but she did. She entered her bed chambers, and slipped under the covers. Her mate instinctively reached for her, and buried her nose in her scent gland. It was hard to hide the mark she sucked into her neck in the middle of the morning when she woke.

Clarke had her mate climb up her body, and she pleasured her with her tongue. Lexa rode her face, and came so hard her maid knocked on the door to make sure that she was alright. Clarke left quickly after that.

Saturday evening her mother and Callie were in high spirits. Indra would be hosting a game night the following weekend. The older woman invited Princess Lexa to join. When she accepted Clarke knew the others would as well. It would be the first outing she would take them on without dancing. Though she would be dancing with them at the Jaha ball on the Friday she could at least enjoy herself on the Saturday.

She spoke to Lexa more than the other princesses as she danced. They talked about the horse race on Wednesday, and when they would see each other next week. Not enough for her liking or her mates, but she promised her that the following week on Wednesday they would have time alone together, for she had come up with a plan.

On Sunday she paced the halls of her drawing room waiting for the toymaker to bring back the boards she had sent to him. The paints and brushes were already delivered to the house, ready for the princesses to paint the box for their puzzles.

When he arrived it was past lunch and she was sweating nervously. Her arm had healed and she set aside time the following week to cover up the scar. She just hoped that Lexa would like it. Once she had the gifts her family helped her to quickly wrap them. Between her female relatives they finished before dinner, and she jumped into the waiting carriage with Otto.

Her footman needed to help her carry in the packages. The name of each princess tied to a note card attached with silk to their wrapped present. She handed them out and explained her wishes to the Queen who scrutinised her during the entire dinner.

“I hope you know what I wish to do with that time alone.” Josephine stated boldly.

“Paint?” Clarke guessed. She knew it wasn’t what Josephine wanted to do with time alone with her.

“Perhaps you can pose for us, and we can paint you.” One princesses suggested.

“The Duke is a fine painter,” Luna said. “My mother hung her art in her bedroom.”

Clarke cleared her throat. She recalled painting in that bedroom. Many times, and it wasn't with the paint most princesses were thinking of.

“Your mother arrives soon, dear. Maybe the Duke should paint a portrait of the princesses.” The Queen said and Clarke frowned, but her acid like scent had her quickly putting on a smile albeit a fake one.

If she had to paint the princesses it would take weeks, and she would have less time alone with her make. “Of course my Queen. I shall order the necessary supplies, and begin the following Thursday."

“Isn’t this fun,” One princess said.

Lexa interrupted. She had been displeased at the mention of her cousin's insinuations. More so at the fact that Luna and Josephine continued to talk about her painting. It was sexual, and not innocent. The Queen allowed it to go on though, daring her to be the one to call it to a stop. Thankfully her mate saved her.

“There are better things for us to do with our time, than sit and have the Duke paint us.”

“Yes.” Clarke agreed.

“I want Clarke to paint me,” Josie argued.

“Yes. The Duke shall paint all of you. Not just one of you. I don’t want to have more to talk about with your parents than I need to. Thank you Duke for your puzzles ladies.” The Queen interrupted, ending the evening.

Clarke rose quickly from her seat. Lexa had already left the table upon Josie stepping in once again. She met her mate out in the hall, and Lexa walked her to her carriage. This time it was her that leaned forward to kiss her.

“Are you going to tell me where you will be next wednesday?” Lexa asked.

“With you,” Clarke said with such surety as she leaned in to kiss the princess.

“Think of the play, and the clues. You keep it close to your heart. Well maybe not you but the other princesses,” Clarke teased her fingers down the bare expanse of skin.

Lexa didn’t wear her locket, she noticed. Perhaps it wasn’t to her liking. She would have to visit the jewellers this week. They were always fond of her patronage. She also wanted the sister diamond to the one she gave the Queen set, but she was still working on the design.

“I miss you in my bed.”

“I shall come to you this week, if you come for me,” Clarke teased, and then shut the carriage door. She would let Lexa think about what the words meant.

She visited her mate on Monday evening. She had managed to sneak inside of her rooms again, and this time Lexa was up. Her mate was writing in the leatherbound book she had given each of the princesses.

“You must complete the painting quickly, but I fear I still won’t hear the end of it,” Lexa sniffled, and Clarke got on her knees before her.

Clarke held her mate's hand in her own. She cried as well, as she explained herself to her mate. There was who the Duke had slept with, and who Wanheda had slept with. To her it was different. To Lexa it was all the same, and her mate was upset about it. Rightly so. So she spent hours reassuring her.

Lexa fell asleep and Clarke stayed up watching her. She committed the image to memory, and returned home. She drew a sleeping Lexa. How beautiful and peaceful she looked. She handed it off to Otto, to bring to Charlotte.

She herself wanted to make the most of the days light and worked on covering up the scar on her arm. She had to work upside down. Clarke was an artist, but it was still hard to do. She followed along with a sketch she had made, and even drew on her skin to help with the outline.

Wednesday she picked up the princesses on her horse. Lexa was mounted, as well as Josephine and a few others. She noticed Josphine enjoying the ride. She worked her hips as she rode, and tried to get her attention, but she had her eyes ahead. Much to the princesses annoyance.

She visited the horses with the princesses, to the joy of the riders. They all had a favourite horse, and they placed bets with one another over trivial things not coins. Including who would get to be escorted to the next ball. Since they had already pointed out there were more than 8 coming up.

“Princess,” Anya greeted Lexa, and her mate moved down to sit beside her and Anya.

After the first race she was now set to go to the ball with Luna. Which would be more enjoyable. The Omega had waited her turn. She missed speaking to Luna, not as much as she missed speaking to Lexa. Luna just understood her. Conversation was easy, and she didn’t draw on her attention.

The horses were walked, and were going to be racing again. Lord Blake tipped his hat to them, and the Princess of Monaco Echo invited him to join them. Lexa also returned with Anya and Raven.

“You are all invited to a wedding at Griffin house,” Anya said for her mate, and Clarke nodded to them.

“Clarke, will you take me as your date to the wedding?” Josephine asked, showing more leg than was appropriate.

“The Duke is part of the wedding party,” Raven cut in. “As is Princess Alexandria.”

“We will need new dresses,” One of the princesses declared.

“Clarke can help you with that,” her grandmother said, coming over to them. “Can’t you dear.”

She got up to give her grandmother a hug and then turned to look at the princesses, who looked at her as expectantly as Bellamy did. “Yes. Let me take you all to my dressmakers on Monday. That shall give them time to make them all, and time for adjustments.”

“When is the wedding?” One asked.

Anya pulled at her shirt. Likely they wanted it sooner. “The Friday after next. We hope to see you all there,” Anya said kindly before excusing herself and Raven.

“Princess, I have time next week to speak of the Americas with you if that is to your interest.” Her grandmother stated.

“Yes, it is.” Lexa said.

“Great. Please stop by Griffin house on Tuesday. I had Steven gather the maps, and texts.” Her grandmother added making the whole thing seem more boring. Thankfully.

“I shall,” Lexa smiled at her grandmother, and then looked over to her.

After the next race, they had tea, and biscuits. Octavia and Lincoln came by next. She introduced them to the princesses again, and they asked about saturday. It was nice to tune everything out for a moment. She pulled out her sketchbook and drew the track, and a few other things now that she wasn’t the focus of the conversation.

“A race after the finals. What say you Princesses?” Octavia asked them.

Few agreed including Lexa. Which was how she found herself chasing after her mate. Lincoln was ahead of Octavia, and Josephine somewhere behind them.

The racers didn’t mind. They watched on, and when Lexa passed the end a final time her mate smiled, as her. Clarke held her gaze. It was heated. She was so aroused. She wanted nothing more than to pull her aside, just to taste her lips.

Josephine slapped Lexa’s horse, and it started. She watched in horror as she fell. Clarke jumped off her horse as Josephine marched hers forward. She covered Lexa with her body, and got a hoof to the back. Josephine cursed, and got her horse under control, and Lexa quickly moved from under her.

Clarke was lifted up by Lincoln and Bellamy. Her mate was full of concern, but also venom.

“Whoops,” Josephine said.

She growled at the Omega. She then turned to Bellamy and Lincoln. “Please escort the princesses back to the palace.”

“Someone should look at your back Clarke,” Josephine tugged at her coat, and Clarke pulled her sleeve away. It hurt her back, and she knew she was lucky to be alive. If the horse had injured Lexa, she wasn’t sure if her mate would have survived a blow to her vital organs.

“I shall look over the princess. I am sure my mother already sent for a doctor for myself. I will see you all on Friday,” Clarke stated firmly, as she grabbed Lexa’s bleeding arm.

Lexa was bleeding and she didn’t like it. She pulled out her shirt from her pants and ripped the fabric. It wasn’t a large cut. Likely the palace staff would put some cream on it. But Clarke wanted to look at it. She was full of concern, as was her mate. Clarke bound it, and then it was Lexa’s turn to view her injury. Clarke could see it on her face that her mate wouldn’t be leaving until she knew she was alright.

“Take off your jacket,” Lexa ordered when it was just her and her family.

Octavia had done a great job of keeping staff and other members away from them. She noticed Anya arguing with Ryder, and Gustus loomed over her glaring at a crowd behind them.

Clarke did as she was told, and her mother unbuttoned her shirt so that her mate could see the forming bruise. Lexa touched it gently and Clarke hissed. “I will be alright.”

“It looks bad.” Her mother fussed over her with Lexa.

Thankfully her grandmother interfered, and helped her put her shirt back on. “I have seen her survive worse. Let us get you home, Clarke. The Princess has her guards and ladies to take care of her.”

She didn’t want to let Lexa leave her side, but she couldn’t mount a horse. Each step would hurt, and the carriage ride back to her house wouldn’t be any better. She bent down though to help her mate up onto her horse, and watched her as she rode away.

The following day the Queen visited her at her home. The staff fussed about getting tea, and biscuits prepared, but she had lots of goods to spare. She sat up stiffly in her chair as the Queen checked on her. Much to her dismay at a nod to her butler the princesses came in.

“I am so sorry Duke, how can I make it up to you,” Josephine pumped out her scent, and most people in the room ignored what she was implying by it.

Clarke called for more food to be brought in. Her siblings also came into the room. Reese played for them on the piano, and Aden set up a game of chess. Alexandria sat with him, as Madi tried to ask Luna about Greece. To Madi it was the most romantic place on earth. Most of her art was about some of their different gods and goddesses and Luna indulged her.

Josephine cornered her on the couch as her mother had tea with the Queen and Countess Cartwright. All the princesses took in her home, and Clarke wanted nothing more than to go back to her drawings.

“I heard you wish to take the princesses dress shopping. Which day would that be?” The Queen asked.

“Monday.”

“And you will be well enough to escort them there?”

She was well enough to take them out this weekend. She knew she could not milk the injury. The Queen expected perfection from her. So she would give it to her. “I will be well enough to escort them to the ball on friday though I may not be up to dancing.”

The Queen nodded, and Clarke made trivial conversation and excused herself when Marcus caught her eye. She needed laudanum. Her back was in pain but she could get through the ball. At the Trigedas she could at least smoke her medicinal herb.

After tea the Queen collected her ladies, and Clarke sent out Otto. He had to speak to the modiste for her. She wanted the entire afternoon booked for the women. Likely she would get fitted as well. She wanted a few new outfits. She had noticed a few shirts missing the mornings after she stayed with the princess.

Clarke was seated in a carriage with Josephine, Luna, and Alexandria. The Queen had forced the cousins to hang around one another. Not that they would ever get along. Josie pawed at her, while Lexa looked out the window avoiding her gaze.

At the ball she drank her laudanum. The opium and alcohol clouded her mind, but took away from the pain she was feeling. Wells was kind enough to bring her a chair, but she couldn’t watch Lexa from the low vantage point.

So Clarke climbed up the stairs to the less crowded balcony. Most of the older folks like her grandparents and Wells' father chose to watch from above. Thelonious Jaha approached her and stood at the balcony demanding her attention.

“Yes. Yes. I shall ask the princesses if Wells can be their escort to my sister's wedding.” She assured the man and promised that she would promenade with Wells. Not like she was trying to avoid him. He was one of her best friends after all.

“Duke,” Niylah bowed, and took his place.

She enjoyed speaking with Niylah. Asking how she enjoyed her sister's new refuge. Niylah was of course invited there, but she was different. Niylah would be able to secure a fine match if she wanted to. She could stay with her sister, or the Jordans. Jasper was a kind man, as they had come to know.

Niylah left when Josephine came up to her in a huff. The Omega sat herself down on her legs, and Clarkes back groaned. “Poor baby,” Josephine said.

Clarke reached for her spiked drink, but Josephine grabbed it for her. The Omega swatted her hands away, and forced her to drink. Clarke couldn’t stand. She was in pain. If she lifted Josephine it put a strain on her back. The laudanum tasted different. She smacked at her lips and ran her tongue across it.

“Morphine helps more than that crap you're drinking.” Josephine said as she pinched her cheeks. Clarke had little feeling in them. In Fact her whole body felt a little out of control.

“What did you do?” Clarke asked. The bottle of laudanum she kept nearby was waggled in front of her face.

How did she get it? She had only put it down. Shit. That had been her mistake. She had put it down as she went to pour herself some lemonade to mix it with. “It clearly wasn’t working fast enough so I added more to your drink. Come dance with me,” Josephine said.

That woman. Oh she would be having words with her later. She looked for Lexa, but Josephine grabbed her face, and rubbed her nose against her own. “Or we can go to your place. No one will care if you need to leave early because you are in pain.”

Clarke stumbled to her feet but Josephine and two of the other princesses caught her. Josephine was leading her. Clarke was walking on clouds. One step and then another being dragged so that she wouldn’t drop. A carriage was already waiting for them outfront and she fell inside of it when the door was opened.

She felt hands on her body as her vision blurred. Someone was calling her name, but her head spun, she couldn’t make anything out. Even her nose betrayed her. She felt strong hands lift her into the carriage, and she slumped against the side of the carriage, as dresses blocked her vision.

“To 28 park street.”

Her uncle's house. But her uncle was at the party. She couldn’t think anymore. She couldn’t even walk. That didn’t seem to matter to them. Fucking princesses. Clarke felt hands grab at her and she tried to push them away. She had lost control of her limbs, and could only watch through blurry vision as Josephine tried to take what she wanted.

She was dropped outside of the carriage, and her mate's angry voice filled the streets. “BACK TO THE PALACE NOW BEFORE I HAVE RYDER TAKE YOUR HEADS!!”

“Jealous much,” Josephine growled.

She heard fighting and shouting. Strong arms picked up her body, and then she was deposited inside of another carriage. This one with a familiar scent inside. Her mate. She could barely see Lexa. She tried to form words but she was just left gaping at her mate.

“Leave us before I take your head Gustus.” Lexa said and she felt herself being carried inside, and then placed on her own bed.

Lexa slowly undressed her. Not like there was much left of her clothing she supposed. She couldn’t even roll her body and was just pushed from side to side as Lexa struggled. She had no feeling. Marcus nearly pushed the princess off, but he just said “let me.” Clarke felt him change her, as her mate tried to get her to look at her.

“What happened?” Marcus shook her trying to figure it out and then he turned to look at Lexa who was speaking in hushed whispers. She wanted to pull her mate towards her but she wasn’t even sure if she was lifting her arm.

“I have to get back to the palace,” her mate groaned, as Clarke lost her fight with consciousness.

When she woke her mother was there at her bedside. Clarke recalled the previous evening and looked around for her medicine but it was gone. It was likely for the best. She would stick to smoking it. Josephine couldn’t drug her then. She would be having words with her. But how to bring it before the Queen without having the embarrassment hanging over her head.

It appeared she didn’t have to. When she arrived the following evening in her carriage, there was only Luna, Lexa, and Echo waiting for her. She invited them into her carriage. Lexa felt comfortable enough to hold her hand in their company so she let her, and pumped out her scent to try and let her know she was alright.

The games were set up in different adjoining rooms. She could see her mate at a table with her grandmother, Octavia, and Indra. She nodded to them whenever she caught her attention. Her back was in considerable pain, and she only filled her pipe as needed.

“I need some air,” she declared when she wanted a break from gambling.

Outside her guard followed her at a close distance. She had yelled at him that morning. Though his defence was accurate. He was watching her, not everyone else. They would be fighting soon. As soon as she was healed she would kick his fucking ass, because she hated him stalking her. He let the princesses carry her off. Thankfully Josie gave her enough not to be able to function in the way she was hoping.

“Clarke,” Lexa called. Her mate had followed her outside. Ryder was behind her, and Lexa walked down to the bench she was sitting on.

“I am so sorry,” Clarke’s eyes stayed downcast. She was embarrassed.

Lexa touched her face and turned her to look her in the eye. Lexa was crying. Her mate was emotional and Clarke pumped her scent out at the same time as Lexa did. The two of them trying to comfort one another in whatever way they could.

“Grandmother is punishing Josephine, but she still expects you to take us all to the modiste, and then to come the following day to start the painting.”

“I hope your grandmother doesn’t mind me smoking. I can barely stand to ride in a carriage at the moment.”

Lexa shook her head, and held her hand. “And there will be no sneaking into my rooms. You brave fool. I would have rolled out of the way.”

“How was I to know? I wanted to make sure you were alright.”

“I am fine. You are not. Josephine is likely going to take her anger out on you soon enough.”

Clarke laughed and then leaned in to nuzzle Lexa’s neck as she breathed in her scent. “Luckily I have you to protect me.”

“You did get lucky.” Lexa growled. “Those princesses were abo-”

She cut her mate off. She pressed a finger to her lips and then chanced a glance around before replacing it with her lips. The guards growled and she pulled back. “I didn’t wish for it.”

“I know.” Lexa pumped out her scent, and they stayed there for a bit before Lexa said she was ready to leave.

This time she walked with her mate as they said their goodbyes. It didn’t matter that she was leaving so soon. By now most had heard about the incident at the track. Lady Whistledown was quick to drag the princess Josephine through the mud. Likely the only one brave enough to voice it was no accident.

Lexa held her hand on the carriage ride back to the castle. The other princesses opted to stay, and Bellamy promised to return them. Clarke got out of the carriage and walked Lexa inside of the palace and to her rooms. She stood outside of them. Guards both at their backs, as Lexa placed a hand on her chest, and a gentle kiss to her lips.

“Keep her safe,” Lexa ordered Gustus.

Clarke quickly strode from the living quarters. She didn’t want to see Josephine. She was likely to kill her. Her dark counterpart Wanheda was already thinking of ways to kill her. Likely her mate was as well.

Chapter Text

A wedding is to be had. Between the Ladies Anya Franco and Raven Collins. Griffin house will certainly be busy, but when has it not been lately.

Visits from the Queen and princesses. It isn’t often the Queen leaves the palace for something other than a ball, or soiree.

The Duke was seen out at the races with the princesses. Clarke of Arkadia has taken it uponst herself to escort the princesses to balls, and other functions. Going so far as to have a Wednesday meet up with the princesses every week.

Where shall it be this wednesday I wonder. As do you, as the princesses gossiped about where the likely meet up could be. The Duke of Arkadia has kept the secret close to her belt, for only the smartest of princesses will solve the riddle she posed to them.

Another horse race it will not be, as the Duke is still recovering from the events of the last race. Ever the hero our Duke saved princess Alexandria from being trampled by her cousin's horse.

Family rivalry to be sure. While the German princess turns heads in one direction, our own has finally turned another in hers. About time. Goodluck Princess Alexandria, and do enjoy your time on wednesday.

The Lords Blake and Wells were seen leaving the ball at the Wells house with Princess Luna and Princess Echo of Monaco. With only 3 in attendance something surely happened to the other princesses.

Though the Trigeda game night had less of an attendance than the Wells ball, it was the company everyone came for. Friendships forged and sealed, and much laughter was had.

No friendship more striking than The Duke who escorted Princess Alexandria back to the palace. Oh to be a fly on the wall of that carriage ride. It appears our princess is now enjoying the time with the Duke. Longing for it one might say.

When will the Queen realize that this year's diamond is no other than our future Queen, and who better for our future Queen than the Duke of Arkadia. Go back home princesses, I think our Duke has finally found her match.

But if you stay you should learn the meaning of restraint for this author won’t hold back next time.

Be warned,

Lady Whistledown.

—-----------------------------------

Chapter 10 Lexa

Monday morning came, and with it a letter from Griffin house. Lexa eagerly waited for hers to be passed to her. Josephine tore it to shreds, and tossed it out the window. Lexa wanted to cry, but she stood her ground and raised her chin at her.

Clarke was no longer Josephines. She was hers. So much so that she had noticed a slight change in her scent. Something even the maids commented on as they stripped her bedding down. Lexa liked her maids. She loved them even more when they told her Josephine had bled. That was her only and last chance to lure Clarke away from her.

Her mate arrived after lunch to take them to their fitting. As the other princesses sipped champagne, Clarke smoked near the window and ignored Josephine. Her mate smiled happily whenever the seamstress would prick her cousin with a needle.

“Princesses do not strike people for mere accidents,” Clarke grabbed her arm when was about to strike the worker.

Clarke pumped out her scent until Josephine tilted her neck. Her cousin cried and stomped off. Josephine glared at Clarke and grabbed a bottle of champagne, and took it to the side to drink with Luna.

Luna was a sweetheart. A free spirit to be sure, but she didn’t find herself jealous of the Omega. Luna fed her some interesting tid bits about her mate, which she kept to herself. Clarke drank heavily, but that didn’t seem to be the case since Clarke told her of her intention to court her.

Which was why she knew something was wrong with her mate the other night. She smelt her distress through the crowd of happy people. Lexa followed after her cousin flagging down another carriage and paying the driver to outrace the other carriage.

What she found was something that shocked her. She had heart of Josephine's use of her mate. From what Costia told her, and even what Luna mentioned it wasn’t good. Josephine had raped her mate. There was no better word for it. Now she had convinced other princesses to help her do it.

Killing her cousin would be too easy. Marrying her off to someone she didn’t like would be more fun. So she waited. She could play the game. She could find someone that loathed her, and would give her the bare minimum someone due her station was due.

“What color do you want your dress princess?” The seamstress asked.

“I am in the wedding party. So something that would match them, and the others involved in the wedding party,” Lexa said looking towards Clarke who was sitting in the upper window sill smokin that funny american tobacco.

The seamstress bent down to her level and followed her gaze. She whispered in her ear. “I can match you with the Duke. Would you like that?”

“Yes,” Lexa whispered back, and watched her mate.

Sure Clarke was working on her sketches. Other princesses had asked to see her work. While Clarke would be there to paint them on Thursday she wanted a head start on drawing their features.

During the fitting cakes were brought over from the shop next door. Clarke didn’t drink a drop of champagne. Instead she sipped from a bottle of soda water, and pointedly stared at her cousin. On occasion her mate snarled and she found that rather attractive.

As far as Alphas went Clarke was the only one she was attracted to. Never before had an Alpha stirred her so. She found most of them repulsive. Now she wanted Clarke more than she had ever wanted Costia. She wanted her mate's mouth on her core, and the pleasure that came with it.

She had written to Costia. The Omega would be coming for the wedding. And likely would return for her own. Not that it would be announced. Her grandmother was still debating the merits of her relationship with the Alpha of Arkadia. She wanted no other. She would have no other.

Unlike Josephine she could give the Alpha pups. She could ask Clarke to breed her. To share in her upcoming heat. She doubted that Clarke would refuse her. But her mate was injured. And she wouldn’t put her family through that scandal. Not after her grandmother's reaction to her cousin's failed attempt.

“Princess,” Clarke coughed, and Lexa noticed her book was in her lap now. She had been broadcasting that scent to everyone in the room.

“I need some air,” Lexa declared.

Josephine followed her outside of the Modiste, and pulled her back by her hair. Thankfully Ryder stepped in before she did something stupid. Her Beta guard faced off against Josie's Alpha one, and she chanced a glance to the window. Clarke was no longer there.

Clarke stormed out of the door of the Modiste and grabbed her cousin's arm. “Leave,” Clarke growled. “Princesses don’t fight with Princesses in the streets. Not in front of my place of business.” Clarke said, and then looked at Ryder. “Escort Princess Josephine back to the palace, the champagne has clearly gone to her head.

Once they were inside of the carriage, her mate started to breathe easier. Clarke only turned to face her when they were gone. Her mate looked at her with concern but she waved her off. Clarke gestured for her to go back inside, but she waved off the Alpha.

“I should return, as well before she makes up some story to tell grandmother,” she said sadly to Clarke. “Will you be at Griffin house tomorrow?”

“For lunch. I have to tour the shops they are opening on thursday.”

“Really Clarke, when do you stop working?”

Her mate gave her a soft smile. “Never because then I am reminded of how lonely I am. See you tomorrow,” Clarke grabbed her hand a placed a soft kiss on in before slowly letting it go. Lexa watched her mate go back inside, and waved to her from inside the carriage.

She observed her mate as she sat half out of the window. Clarke watched her leave, and was busy in her notebook. She opened her own and started to write down her thoughts. It was one of the few things she had done in the notebook. Her thoughts had been on the Alpha a lot lately, and she felt less lonely when she wrote them down.

Inside the halls of the palace she heard her cousin scream. She followed the sounds of the shouting, and then she was shouting as well. She hated raising her voice. Lexa was always in control, but Josephine drove her to the brink of madness.

“This is not proper behavior for a princess. You shall eat dinner in your rooms…” Her grandmother said and then looked between them. “Together.”

It was not a nice dinner. Josephine was vile. Absolutely vile. “The Duke will never want you. A virgin Queen. Clarke needs an Omega who knows what she is doing. The Duke would be in my bed if your grandmother wasn’t making her escort all of us. If she didn’t have a royal guard, Clarke would be all over me, but grandmother has had her watched since she found Luna and I in her tent.”

All Lexa could do was laugh like a maniac. “You tried to rape her. Or do you deny drugging her, and having the other princesses help you with your plan.”

“I was going to share.”

“Maybe Clarke doesn’t want to be shared. She certainly didn’t appreciate you drugging her, or could you not tell that she ignored you all day today.”

Josephine laughed at her. “Clarke loves being shared. She plowed through twenty Omegas, and only shared her knot with he.”

“Did she? Or did you take it. You are prone to taking things that aren’t given to you.”

“Clarke loves my tight cunt. Once all these other princesses leave, grandmother will have us wed.”

“No she won’t.”

“Yeah right,” Josie said and threw her hair over her shoulder.

Lexa had to breathe deeply. She told herself not to say it. Not to say that her mate would very likely do it, if forced into marrying Josephine.

“You seem to forget that the Duke is my subject.”

“Not yet. The Duke will be my subject eventually. Our babies will sit the throne while you enjoy whatever Omega that suits your fancy. What happened to Costia? Did you get bored?”

“Get out.”

“But grandmother wants us to have dinner together,” Josephine pouted and twirled her hair.

She pinched the bridge of her nose, and ate her food with haste. She drank one glass of wine and then another as she waited for Josephine to finish her food. Her cousin wouldn’t shut up about the Duke. It got to the point where she broke a wine glass. Thankfully Josephine left and the physician was called.

The following day Clarke inspected her hand. Her mate kissed it better, and pumped out her scent. It was her mate who told her of the americas as her grandmother acted as chaperon. Abigail didn’t clear her throat unless their kisses got a little too heated and hands started to wander.

Lexa bit her lip as they played chess. Clarke drank her pain medication and Lexa helped her onto the couch. Anyone who came in for her mate, did so under her watchful eye. Lexa got to try cakes, and felt wool from the colonies. Her mate was attentive, but Lexa knew she was in pain.

As Clarke napped she read. She got to go through her mates book collection, and speak to her siblings a little bit. She invited Reese to the castle on thursday. It would give her a chance to be with her sister as Clarke started on their portrait.

Her grandmother had called for a soiree on saturday on the grounds, which was likely going to turn into a ball by evening. There was also her uncles party on friday which the princesses were invited to. Though she doubted they would be allowed to attend. Her grandmother had come to realize that Clarkes uncle spent his time in the company of whores.

She was invited to stay for dinner. Which was the most fun she had had in a long time. Madi threw her peas at Aden, and the Griffin table was soon turned upside down. She had to borrow one of Abby's dresses to return in as hers was ruined. Much to her mates delight who stole the dress, and likely wouldn’t clean it. She couldn’t judge her. She had a drawer full of her shirts.

“See you tomorrow,” Lexa promised as her mate walked her back to her carriage.

The carriages were prepared the following day. Though she waited to leave. She acted disinterested, and then when they all left, she changed. One of her maids had left her an outfit, and Ryder was ready to talk her to her destination.

No one looked twice at her, and she squeezed her hands together as she waited for the door to open. Lexa had prayed she got the clues right. It made sense when she used the mirror. Clarke was too smart to put a direct location. Likely her uncle Steven was now entertaining the princesses at 28 Park place, while she went up the back entrance to 82.

“I knew you would figure it out,” Clarke said and pulled her into the apartment.

It was grand. Much larger than she anticipated. A lot of Clarkes drawings were in various rooms, and all of them featured her. She felt privileged to be the subject of such art. Anya and Raven were waiting for them in the dining room.

“I can handle the princesses' safety Ryder,” Anya said. “Why don’t you try the american whisky in the kitchen. The cook can plate you some leftovers.”

Lexa waited until Ryder was gone before approaching Clarke. She didn’t care who was there. She wanted to kiss her mate. She wanted to feel Clarke’s heart beating. Her mate was injured and she was concerned. More concerned than she had ever been in her entire life.

No one stopped them. There was no throat clearing, just the scrape of plates. Clarke pulled out a chair for her and Lexa sat down. Clarke pulled hers right beside it. Her mate grabbed food for her, and filled her plate, and she did the same.

Wine came from her estate, and she shared a glass with her mate. She didn’t want to get drunk, and she knew her mate was hesitant. The food was indeed delicious, and the macaroons they had for dessert were the best she ever had.

“Stop moaning like that,” Clarke said as she wiggled in her chair.

Anya and Raven had slipped into an adjoining room, and left them alone. Lexa could now smell her mates arousal, and she wanted more. Lexa bit her lip and kissed her mate. Clarke pushed back into the kiss, and her mate broke it to stand up.

Clarke helped her out of her shoes, and took her hand leading her up the stairs. Lexa followed her into a room with a four poster bed. Clarke shut the door as Lexa raced to the bed.

“I need your mouth,” Lexa begged.

Her mate gave her her mouth. Clarke sucked mark after mark into her legs as Lexa muffled her moans of pleasure. She pierced the pillow with her teeth when Clarke added a second finger. It was a stretch but her body wanted it. Craved it. She was roughly 2 weeks away from her heat, and she wasn’t sure what she should do.

When Clarke climbed up her body Lexa switched their position and cursed the hoop in her dress. She lifted it up and hovered over her mate’s body. Clarke pulled her down for a kiss and Lexa slowly settled on top of her, until she felt her mate's cock.

Lexa adjusted her position against it as Clarke held onto her hips. Her mate was desperate for air, and Lexa felt the same but her body was aflame with desire. She wanted to return the favor and didn’t quite know how.

“Do what feels natural,” Clarke encouraged, as her hands gently caressed the exposed skin of her arms.

Easy enough. Lexa had often ground her hips into Costia. So she did the same, and Clarke moaned. Lexa leaned down to kiss her as she moved her hips again. She kept going until she could not longer focus on her kisses.

Clarke had decided to move against her, and Lexa needed to bite onto something. She sucked at her neck. This time right at the spot a making mark could go. Clarkes hips jumped, and her arousal filled the hair. Lexa moved her hips a few more times, and came. Her teeth firmly latched onto the Alpha, as she purred against her.

“I brought a change of clothes just in case.” Clarke smiled as she peppered her face with kisses. “I love you Lexa,” Clarke said before turning her over. Her mate kissed her a few more times as Lexa recovered from one of the best orgasms she had ever had.

“Does this moment need to end,” she asked when Clarke pulled herself from her embrace.

Her mate leaned down to kiss her and she noticed the large stain on her pants, and the scent of their arousal. Clarke grabbed a pair of clean pants, and leaned down to kiss her. “I have to change. Then I shall escort you about town. We can hide in here another day. You can visit whenever you can get away from the palace. This can be our spot.” Clarke promised with a kiss before leaving.

Lexa found a pitcher of water, and cleaned herself. The floral infused water helped to mask the scent of her pleasure. Though it seeped into the room, and Ryder would likely smell it if he chanced up the stairs.

Once she had control over herself she walked downstairs. Anya and Raven were waiting for her in the living room. Clarke came down the stairs next with a scarf around her neck which had her walking over to take it off.

“Easy there possessive.” Anya said. “It is for your own good. It looks like you almost claimed her.” Anya approached to look at the bite.

Clarke looked sadly at her, and Lexa frowned. She leaned over and kissed her Alpha before reluctantly letting her cover up the mark. “I got carried away.”

“So did I.” Clarke admitted, and then offered her her arm.

Her mate looked like a merchant dressed the way she was. Anya and Raven turned right while Clarke led her to the left. Gustus followed at a further distance as they walked together through the busy streets.

The first shop that Clarke took her to had beaver pelts. Her mate pulled out her sketchbook and showed her a picture. She already knew what they looked like, but her mate was excited. Clarkes happiness rubbed off on her.

Together they spent the rest of the afternoon going from shop to shop. Clarke brought her into some that weren’t even open for business. Lexa bought her mate some cigars from one. Insisted on it, because her mate had given her so much already.

When they arrived at the opera house, they were escorted into a private box. “Because I know you didn’t watch the show last time,” Clarke teased.

The curtains were drawn so that no one could see who they were. Her mates' hands roamed in their exploration of her body. When the show was finally over, there was a carriage waiting for them.

Lexa was turned on. So turned on she nearly demanded Clarke attend to her. Then she remembered better of it. Her mate was still healing and she would see her the following morning.

Ryder was outside of the palace waiting to escort her inside. Inside the safety of her own room she touched herself and thought of blue eyes. She added one finger and then another. It took three of her fingers to stretch her out the way 2 of Clarkes had.

Curtains were drawn the next day waking her from her slumber. Her maids would never do such a thing, and Lexa growled at her intruder. Of course Josephine would enter her rooms without permission.

“Wake up sleepy head. The Duke is already on her way to paint us.”

“Then you should dress.”

“Clarke prefers nude models.”

Lexa growled again. “That isn’t the kind of painting grandmother had in mind.”

“No but grandmother let me choose where we are to have it done, and I chose the pool.”

Ugh… She loathed Josephine. “Get out.” Lexa growled and threw her pillow at her cousin.

Lexa called in her maids and they helped her to dress for a day by the pools. She hated the fluffy dresses. The hooped skirts. She would much rather be in pants, and a shirt it would be much lighter to be sure.

At the breakfast table her grandmother presided over tea, and listened to the princesses talk about their day. To her grandmother's displeasure they had spent the day with Clarkes uncle. Some chose to return, but others like Josephine and Luna chose to stay. They were found late in the evening being entertained by the American Omegas in a state of undress.

Needless to say that any chance they had of attending his gathering the following night disappeared. Though she wouldn’t put it past her cousin to sneak out. She had been caught 3 times already trying to leave the grounds. Her grandmother refused to keep her in her rooms though. Instead she forced Josephine's presence upon them all.

Clarke had arrived. She smelt her mate before she entered the dining hall. Her grandmother was quick to get her up and escort her out. Lexa caught her mate's eye and smiled at her before quickly finishing her meal.

She wasn’t the only one hurrying, so she slowed down. She acted as uninterested as the following night and waited. The other princesses left. Josephine at the head of them. Luna and Echo delayed their breakfast for a little longer, but she wasn’t in the mood to speak. Josephine had ruined her morning.

“Princess,” Reese called, sticking her head in the doorway.

The Griffin girl hesitantly came into the room and bowed for her. Her sister was waiting for her off to the side, and Lexa dismissed her from service. She invited them to watch her sister paint, or to tour the grounds. Whatever they wished within reason, as long as they stayed for dinner.

When she arrived at the pools she felt the jealousy wafting over from Josie and a few of the other Omegas. It was all directed at her, and she had to push through it. Her grandmother had an empty chair beside her, and since everyone else looked to be in their positions she walked to hers.

“I was under the impression none of the princesses had solved the Duke of Arkadias riddle.” Her grandmother said, looking her up and down.

Clarke cleared her throat, and gave her an apologetic look. Her mate was just working on her colors as Lexa took the seat beside her grandmother. She folded her dresses underneath of herself, as she took her seat, and met her grandmother's stare.

Lexa put on a smile. She wasn’t often in the mood to gloat. Josephine had called her ire recently, and for a moment she was safe. Josephine would never dare to do something to her in the presence of their grandmother.

“The Duke gave us all the same clues.” Lexa said. They all looked at her like she had 3 heads. Were they all really that daft?

“What were the answers to all the clues,” her grandmother asked. She heard the other princesses fuss enough and looked at her mate. “Seeing as Princess Alexandria found the Duke, and I have heard you all prattle non-stop about them for over a week, I would like to hear the answers from the Duke.

“We promenade in the park. Park is the first clue.” Clarke explained as she started to paint the canvas.

“And the second?” Her grandmother asked then the princesses had all told the Duke where they went. Two of them went to the park. Not surprising.

“A mirror,” Lexa said and then pulled the locket from her pocket. A few princesses pulled out their own. Lexa popped it open, and then turned to her mate. How long had Clarke planned this. They received the locket as their first gift.

She handed the locket to her grandmother who took it and looked at herself. “Beauty is on the inside.”

“In darkness I am void, in the light I am you. A near perfect image. Just like Whistledown painted in her latest edition.” Clarke leaned to the side, and she could see it pain her. Her mate looked at her and gave her a bright smile, and Lexa returned it.

“St was for street. I got that. I just assumed you meant your uncle's new place,” Josephine said haughtily. Her cousin wasn’t happy she had figured it out.

“Close. A few of you went there, but luckily I had people prepared wherever you ended up.” Clarke smiled.

“Thank you Duke,” Echo smiled. “Lord Blake was excellent company, and he wishes to escort me to the wedding at your estate.” Echo looked at her grandmother, and then smiled when she nodded.

“The dresses should be ready for you to try on Sunday, then again on Wednesday for a final adjustment. It is to be a small wedding.” Clarke added.

Her grandmother wasn’t distracted for long. “So where did you meet the Duke? What did you do?”

Clarke smiled at her beyond the canvas. It was in her hands. What she wished to tell. “I met the Duke on Park street, but she wasn’t at her uncles. We had lunch with Anya, and Raven. Then the Duke and I walked down the street of shops she purchased before they open on friday. Afterwards we went to the Opera.”

“But we were just there,” one of the princesses furrowed her brows.

Lexa shrugged. She hadn’t watched the play the first time and it was perfect. Clarke had a selection of cheeses and wine for her to enjoy, as they watched. It was perfect. Her mate was perfect. Lexa pumped out her scent a little bit. She was happy.

“Thank you for the lovely day Princess, and your opinions of my shops.” Clarke added.

Next she had to answer what shops. Just to save her mate from having to formulate a response she answered. Clarke on occasion looked out at them over the large canvas. Her mate would smile at her and then disappear.

“You ladies can take a break.” Clarke declared after an hour.

Lexa stayed seated with her grandmother. The rest of the princesses moved to check out what Clarke was doing. The servants came out with finger foods, and drinks. Josephine tried to get closer to Clarke, but she noticed her mate puff on one of those funny smelling smokes. Her cousin and the princesses coughed and gave her some space.

“What is that?” Her grandmother asked.

“For my back your majesty. It alleviates pain.” Clarke shrugged.

“So does laudanum and morphine.”

She pumped out her scent, a little bit. Josephine was trying to flirt with Clarke behind the canvas. She could smell her scent wafting towards the Alpha, but couldn’t hear what they were whispering.

“I had to throw out all my laudanum. Someone tampered with it, and there was an incident the other night.” Clarke said to her grandmother, and then disappeared behind the canvas. “Go sit back down princesses. I need space to work.”

“So I heard,” her grandmother said cooly and stared at Josephine.

“I was just trying to help.” Josephine defended herself.

“Hmmm,” Her grandmother said and scrutinized her.

Lexa looked past her mate and to the gardens. She noticed Reese, and Charlotte over there. It reminded her to tell her grandmother about her dinner plans. Which as planned turned into Clarke being invited to stay for dinner. And then hopefully she could have a moment alone to speak with her.

“I would like to visit the Duke's shops,” Luna declared.

Which would be their outing tomorrow. The Duke and her grandmother agreed that Clarke would escort them. They would not be attending her uncle's ball. Her grandmother had put her foot down, and called for a musician. Josephine's only comment was that more tricks would be performed at the ball.

Before dinner she went to get changed. How many outfits did one princess need in a day? Many. Lexa looked at the maid outfit from the day before and got an idea. If Clarke couldn’t sneak into her house, she could always sneak into hers. Lexa thought as she held the maid costume.

During dinner Clarke sat closest to her grandmother. Josephine was near her. The other princesses sat closeby in the order least interested to most. So she sat beside Clarkes siblings at the other end of the table.

Dinner was of course the same as it ever was. Over the top. Though this time Clarke was actually there to answer the ridiculous questions the ladies had. Lexa focused her attention on the twins. The girls were both sweet. Innocent to be sure. Much like the rest of Clarkes siblings. Well everyone other than Raven.

After dinner kissed the hand of all the princesses including her own. Her mate pumped out a rather pleased scent that she didn’t emit with the other princesses. She also remained in a prone bow much longer for her than the others. Clarke’s lips even lingered on her hand longer.

Jealous pheromones wafted in the air, but Clarke seemed immune to them. Her mate asked her to escort her to her carriage and she did. Lexa held her arm as the siblings trailed ahead of them. She said her goodbyes to Charlotte, and only released her mate's arm when she was ready to go in the carriage.

The following day Clarke was there after breakfast to take them all shopping. Her portrait would wait until Sunday. Dress fitting could take up a good portion of the day, and her mate still had work to do on the portrait. It was good. Even her grandmother begrudgingly admitted it.

Most of the shop owners didn’t recognize her. Which only lent credence to her plan. She would sneak out later. Clarke’s home was still a secret, and she would enter through the servants entrance, and surprise her mate.

Clarke brought them back to her place for a late lunch of purchased goods. Lexa and the princesses had sampled sweets, pies, cakes, and all sorts of goodies. Even the macarons which she loved. After lunch carriages were called to bring them back to the palace. With all their guards opted to stay.

When they arrived back at the palace, she started to fake her symptoms. Her grandmother was informed, and Lexa was confined to her chambers. She wasn’t the only princess to take ill, but she had a solid plan.

After the doctor came by and gave her something for her stomach she changed. Once her hair was all tied up, and not in its long tresses, she took her basket, and crept from her rooms. Outside in the servants hall she hastened her step and followed a few of the other servants who were leaving the castle for the evening. Her basket was searched, and she looked ahead, and not at the guards.

When she finally arrived at Clarkes she had to knock on the door. One of the maids opened the door for her, and told her to wait in the drawing room. Lexa waited patiently, and Clarke clambered down the stairs.

“Lexa,” her mate smiled, and then dismissed the woman for the evening.

Her mate lifted her up in a hug as she spun her around. Clarke pumped out her scent, and Lexa moaned. She wanted Clarke. She needed her. So she pushed out her scent to let Clarke know.

Clarke carried her up the steps and brought her into her bedroom. It slightly smelt of them. What they had done on wednesday and what they would hopefully continue to do.

Kisses trailed along her collarbone as Clarke undid the fastens holding the dress in place. Lexa moaned and pulled the Alpha against her. She could feel her mate’s cock. She wanted to see it. To feel it.

Lexa’s own hand’s battled against Clarkes sleeping pants as her final shirt fell. Lexa stopped her work, and helped Clarke. She stepped out of her undergarments, and then walked towards the bed. She turned, and then sat down before slowly spreading her legs and showing the Alpha how much she desired her.

“Lexa,” Clarke moaned and fell to her knees.

Strong hands held her legs, and Clarke brought her head to her core. Her mate licked through her folds, and Lexa held her head in place. Clarke brought her to pleasure in a minute without even entering her.

Once she had come again her mate gently sucked a mark onto her stomach before entering her. Two fingers wasn’t enough. “More,” Lexa begged.

Clarke climbed up her body leaving a trail of kisses that had her panting out when the Alpha brushed her thumb against her clit. Her mate hummed against her collarbone, and Lexa felt her mate's cock against her hip.

She reached into Clarkes pants, and grasped onto the cock. Clarke moaned in pleasure and bucked into her hand. She wasn’t quite sure what to do. Clarke wasn’t about to stop her movements to tell her either. Her mate put in more effort, and Lexa was left grasping the cock as her body started to twitch in pleasure.

Her mate pulled back and ruined her orgasm. Clarke leaned over the side of the bed, and Lexa rolled over to see what the hell her mate was doing. She had found her pleasure, but it wasn’t as intense as it would have been if Clarke had just kept going.

“Oh gods,” Clarke moaned, and Lexa watched her mate stroke her cock. Three strokes was all it took before Clarke splattered her floor with her seed.

Lexa was immensely turned on. There was also a part of her which wondered why Clarke made such pained noises. Her mates' arousal flooded her sense, and Lexa moaned, and turned back over.

“I’m so tired now,” Clarke said as she cleaned up her mess with the nightshirt Lexa had ripped off of her.

“I am not,” Lexa stated, and slowly started to touch herself.

Clarke did look tired. There was hunger underneath of it though. Her mate pushed her up the bed, and then sunk her tongue inside of her.

The way that Clarke fucked her was different than Costia. While her lover had been soft and sweet, there was a gentle roughness to Clarke. Her mate was holding back. She wanted to wait until she was ready, but Clarke also had desires, and Lexa watched as she ground her hips into the bed and growled into her cunt while pleasuring her.

“Faster,” Lexa panted feeling her own pleasure build. She had one hand in Clarkes hair and another gripping the sheets. Her hips moved against her mates face as Clarke added a third finger.

“Yes!!” Lexa screamed.

In and out. Clarke moved her fingers magically inside of her reaching depths never before touched. Lexa was writhing against her as her breathing started to stagger. Clarke pushed out her scent, and covered her in her arousal, and Lexa bucked her hips two more times before crashing.

“Clarke!!!” Lexa cried as she came harder than ever before. Her mate's own pleasure released into the air as well, and Lexa knew she had come again.

She was exhausted now. Clarke lifted, her and Lexa went limp in her arms. Her mate brought her over to another room. This was smaller, but it had a bed which wasn’t coated in there essence. Her mate kissed her brow, as Lexa nuzzled into her neck, ready to fall asleep. There was no way she was ready to walk back to the castle.

Knocking on the door woke them. It was more like hammering. Her mate grumbled something before extracting herself. Clarke walked out of the room, while Lexa pulled the sheet around herself. It was likely time for her to go. The sun was beginning to rise, and she needed to get back inside the keep before her maid came to wake her.

Lexa got dressed in the maid outfit from the day before. It reeked of arousal. Both her and her mates. She wore it as armor and slowly made her way down the stairs.

Clarke was arguing with someone. Bellamy by the scent. He had come through the front door, and he wasn’t alone. Lexa scented her cousin and a few of the other princesses. Alcohol wafted out of the room, they were in and Lexa hid herself.

“Who is that?” Bellamy asked. “Is she why you weren’t at the party?”

“I wasn’t at the party because I got trampled on by a horse!” Clarke growled.

“It hasn’t stopped you from entertaining the princesses this week.” Bellamy said and Lexa ducked behind a wall as he looked over Clarkes shoulder for her. “And other company. Does Lexa know?”

Clarke pushed out her most dominating scent. Lexa felt weak in the knees, but she had trained against pheromones from a young age. The princesses moaned in the other room, and Lexa turned the corner, and chanced a peek. They were wearing little, and her cousin was already pleasuring herself, and begging for the company of her mate.

“Get them out of here Bellamy.”

“They snuck out. I can’t just bring them back to the keep. The Queen will have my head.”

“Only if you slept with them. Please tell me you kept it in your pants,” Clarke hissed. Then her mate sighed. Bellamy had certainly slept with one of them. Likely Echo. Lexa had spotted her asleep on the couch. Her mate sighed, and then commanded him to get carriages.

Her mate sniffed her out and pulled her into her arms. Lexa rested her head against her chest, and listened to her heart beat. “I hate this.”

“Me too. But hopefully they will be too drunk to remember how to get here while sober.”

Clarke kissed her forehead, and then pulled away. “You should go. I will likely beat you back to the castle. If you hurry we may be able to break our fasts together?” Clarke asked hopefully.

Lexa kissed her on the lips before coating her mate in her scent. She pulled away and left through the servants entrance. The streets were not busy at all. She made it to the servants entrance of the castle before Clarke’s carriage came into view.

She had to run into her room and she quickly changed. She hid the maid costume in box reserved for a gaudy hat, and then called for her maids to help her dress.

Her cousin was stumbling through the halls followed by Jade, and Gustus. Echo was being carried in by Bellamy and Clarke had Marcus carrying in another princess. A fourth could walk, but not well. One of her grandmother's guards helped her to her rooms.

“Clarke a word,” Lexa stated.

“You should get back Bellamy. I can speak with the Queen.” Clarke stated.

Once Bellamy was away down the hall, Lexa led Clarke into the dining room. She sat with her mate, in the chairs overlooking the gardens. The sun was coming up. Clarke looked exhausted, and she was as well. They would have a busy day today though. First she had to make sure her mate survived the Queen's judgment.

“What is this I hear about my granddaughter and others stumbling into to keep.” Her grandmother threatened Clarke with her scent, and Lexa pushed hers back.

Clarke cleared her throat, and gently touched her hand letting her know she had the situation under control. “I spent the evening at home. Lord Blake woke me up, and asked for my help getting the princesses home. I had no idea they snuck out of the keep until they arrived on my doorstep. I got them back there as soon as I could. I had no part in this.”

“You better not have.” Her grandmother grumbled.

Lexa pulled Clarke to the table to eat with her. It was a rather silent affair, and after she finished eating she walked her mate to her waiting carriage. There was no time to kiss goodbye. The castle was already filled with servants preparing for her grandmother's garden party.

When her mate returned Lexa had changed her outfit. She was one of the few princesses up on time for the event. She greeted various Lords and Ladies by name. Any she didn’t know she introduced herself to. Clarke arrived looking refreshed, and she greeted the Griffins, and told them to make their way to the lawns.

She eventually moved from the front hall, and down the hallway to the gardens. She was taking the long way to buy time. She hoped to catch a glimpse of her mate from inside, so that when she went to find her she knew where she was. She didn’t see Clarke, but her scent wafted through the halls and Lexa followed it.

The palace had many secrets, but she headed towards its worst. Lexa trusted Clarke. But she was afraid for her. Not many knew her grandfather was still alive. Her grandfather William was… A handful. Though most of the public believed him to be dead, it was for good reason. He hadn’t been out of his rooms in over 10 years, and even before her birth it was infrequent.

There were different familial factions. Her grandfather had been married before, and met her grandmother. His wife died eventually, but it was a blow that her grandfather couldn’t recover from. Nor could her grandmother reconcile with.

Uncle Reese had helped. Though he was a step uncle from her grandfather's previous marriage he was nice to her. Tough on her, but that was how he showed love. Anya’s father had only Alphas, and his mate died when they were still young. Likely he was still at the country estate, but perhaps he would be there for his daughter's wedding.

Lexa’s aunt Calliope was on her way from Greece. She had married Luna’s uncle. No children from that match, but her aunt Calliope loathed her father, was in love with his mate. Her aunt was the first to beg them to essentially put him on house arrest.

Her own father wouldn’t have done it. He would be ruling right now. Her grandfather would then be retired, to a summer estate of his choosing. Not like he would be able to really tell the difference. He rarely left his rooms, and they were always a mess. Always littered with numbers.

She took a deep breath and braced herself. She visited him on good days. But they were rare. Today likely wasn’t a good day but there wasn’t screaming.

When she opened the door her nose was assaulted by Clarkes pain medicine. She coughed and her mate went right away to open the window. Lexa wanted to ask her what the hell she was doing, but her grandfather was the first to speak as his minder closed the door.

“Hello Alexandria.” He said and got up and pulled her in for a hug. He kissed both of her cheeks and pulled back. “My how you've grown. I was just with the doctor,” he said as he went over to Clarke who was now standing.

“I…” Clarke tried, and failed to speak.

“The doctor has me on this new medicine.”

Clarke sighed heavily and looked to be praying. Her grandfather was frantic. “Huhuhu,” he skipped and gathered up some of his papers. “Look. Look here doctor,” he said and Clarke went over to sit at the desk with him.

Her mate took the jumbles of pages in her hands, and sifted through them. Lexa stepped forward and took some pages as well. She wasn’t quite sure what else to do. They had all tried to indulge him. His mental state broke shortly after the death of his first wife. He obsessed over life, death and reincarnation. Her grandfather also simply saw things that weren’t there.

“We are having a party, grandfather.”

“Do you want to come to a party doctor?”

She started to fidget. She was picking at her fingernails. The Guards looked at her, and she wasn’t quite sure what to do. “How about I look these over as you get dressed.”

“I need to tell you about the space ball doctor,” He said and dragged Clarke into his dressing room.

Lexa was left waiting. She gathered up his jumble of numbers, symbols, and letters. “Get the Queen,” Lexa said to one of the men. Her grandfather was getting dressed and she needed to be warned. Hopefully Clarke would convince her to stay. Would her mate understand their desire for secrecy?

“Princess,” Clarke appeared at the door. “Do you mind getting me my sketchbook?” Clarke tilted her head in one direction, and Lexa saw it on the chair.

“What were you doing in here?” She asked softly.

Clarke’s features softened. “I was looking for a quiet place to draw. I thought I caught a whiff of your scent in here.”

Lexa grabbed both sides of her mate's face and kissed her as she let the tears fall. “Something is wrong with him.”

“I know,” Clarke said softly. “I have seen some people like him.” Clarke reached a hand through the door and cupped her cheeks. Her mate kissed away her tears, and rested her head against her own. “Your burdens are my burdens. Let me lessen this one,” Clarke stated firmly before giving her a farewell kiss.

Her grandmother came in while her grandfather was still changing. “What is happening?” Her grandmother hissed.

Her grandfather came out in one of the more elegant outfits they had for him. They needed to adjust for his fluctuating weight gain and loss. But he did look fine in it. In the room behind him her mate could be seen putting his brush by his bedside. It looked like Clarke had taken up the role of valet.

“Look! Our new doctor is an artist!” Her grandfather exclaimed and showed her grandmother a picture Clarke had drawn.

Clarke walked into the room and stepped to her side. Her mate placed her right arm around her waist for comfort. Lexa stepped into her side, and placed her own hand on top of Clarkes. Her mate's left hand was filthy from the sketch she had done.

“Do you see?” Her grandfather asked. “And the doctor promised to get someone to look at my calculations. Isn’t she marvelous.”

Her grandmother did not look well. “I simply indulged his grace, I am sorry if I overstepped my Queen.” Clarke bowed.

“Come to the party,” Her grandfather stated, and then looked between the two of them. He just grabbed Clarke's arm, and her mate was dragged off.

The Queen was known to be a strong woman, but she watched her grandmother cry. She threw Clarkes artbook straight across the room, and cursed up and down. She didn’t bother to be quiet, and Lexa didn’t bother to comfort her.

“What was your mate doing in here?” Her grandmother seethed.

Lexa breathed in through her nose, and out through her mouth. “That is a question you should ask her.” Lexa stepped aside. “If you will excuse me, I will go enjoy the few lucid moments grandfather has left before controlling the damage.”She stepped out of the room and the guards shut the door behind her.

She followed her mate's scent, and found them walking out of the keep. She caught Clarkes eye and her mate stopped. Lexa linked arms with her grandfather, and her mate stood beside her grandfather.

Clarke was kind. She indulged him and listened to him. Clarke never flat out said he wasn’t right. Lexa noticed straight away that there was a difference between how Clarke treated him vs how other doctors treated him. And how they were told by the doctors to behave around him.

“What is crazy doing out?” Josephine hissed, as she came towards them.

Thankfully the armed guards seemed to keep most of the visitors away, but a few were looking in their general direction. Lexa simply turned to her cousin and scowled.

“Fresh air will do his grace some good,” Clarke said.

“Are you married?” Her grandfather asked Clarke. Thankfully ignoring her cousin.

“I have a mate.”

“Your mate,” Josephine stressed. “Rejected you. And grandmother told your doctor to choose between Princess Luna and myself.”

“Your grandmother told me I must marry a princess. That is true. Who I ask though is up to me.” Clarke stressed.

Her grandfather took Clarke away to speak. So Clarke did. Her mate told him about this and that while Lexa trailed behind them. Josephine thankfully left. Not like she had ever visited her grandfather since arriving.

Clarke slowly led her grandfather around to the various performers. Some she hurried him past, and others she chatted with him. Some people moved to approach but she butted in. Lexa thanked them for their silence, but explained that her grandfather was ill. Not that he looked it now. He was having the time of her life with his mate.

“Lexa,” Clarke reached for her when they reached the hall for his quarters.

She approached her mate, and they entered into her grandfather's chambers together. Clarke set up the pieces to a chess board she had noticed. Her grandfather sat on one side, and her mate on the other. Lexa grabbed a book from the shelf and watched them interact.

Clarke smoked her medication, and didn’t bother to blow it away from her grandfather. He calmed down enough that he started to tire, and fell asleep in his chair.

Lexa slowly rose as Clarke did. Her mate didn’t need to speak to her in words. Clarke pumped out her scent, to calm her racing nerves. Her mate kissed her forehead, and pulled her back down to the couch.

That was where her grandmother found them. The two of them fast asleep on the couch while her grandfather snored loudly in his chair. The old Queen just sat down and joined them as Lexa continued her reading and her mate continued her drawing. A conversation was going to happen, but they weren’t going to be the first to have it. They made their intentions known. To her and to each other.

Chapter Text

As the summer slowly comes to an end, it is a time of new beginnings.

Not just for Lady Anya, and Lady Raven, who are getting wed this weekend, but for others as well. Lady Blake and Lord Trigeda, as well as Lord Jordan, who has asked for a certain maiden's hand.

With high lords and ladies getting married every weekend, we can expect royal attendance, but when will there be a royal wedding?

Her Grace the Duke of Arkadia was seen strolling arm and arm with our king consort. For most of us in attendance, it was like seeing a ghost. The ill king has been hiding in plain sight, or locked away.

Would one blame the Queen for keeping her addled brained mate close to home. I certainly wouldn’t. One may envy the crown, but do not envy the Queen. She has suffered for years since finding her mate, and the King’s illness will only become worse with time.

With few relatives remaining to her, who will be good enough for the Queen's granddaughters. Will there be a rushed wedding, while the consort seemingly has a good day? Or will we get to attend the wedding of the century?

The Duke of Arkadia was seen not only escorting the consort, but the princess as well. Anyone in attendance could see the chemistry between the two. One would have to be blind not to.

Keep a close eye on the Duke and the Princess, for I can think of no better couple to rule England than the pair of them.

Best wishes to all the happy couples,

Lady Whistledown

📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜

“Seriously,” Clarke growled, squeezing the pamphlet in her hand.

Anya gave her a knowing smile, and rolled her eyes before adjusting her jacket. “Not everyone will be looking at you.”

Clarke raised the crumpled piece of paper. “Oh really? I think this was pretty clear. You may be getting married, but I won’t be able to graze Lexa’s hand without someone noticing.”

“Well you are entering rut.” Anya stated and wrinkled her nose. “At the very least it will help you keep the princesses' honour intact.”

She grumbled… All she could think about was fucking Lexa. Honour be damned she wanted to knot her, and claim her. Rut brain… It had been driving her mad, and Lexa was no better. Sneaking away in the night to see her, and every night they got closer to actually crossing the point of no return.

The church wasn’t packed but the house was. The Queen of course showed up as did her son in law, Anya’s father. He was aged but kind. Clarke noted the closeness between him and Lexa, and felt his intimidating gaze as she approached them.

Lexa had looked breathtaking during the ceremony. Her beloved spent time with Raven and her sisters, while she spent time with Anya, and Bellamy. Aden was a little too young to celebrate with them, and Anya’s older brother was stiff. Something he had inherited from his father.

Omega and Alpha both inhaled her scent upon approach and both had different reactions. Lexa inhaled deeply and smiled at her, while her uncle scowled and pumped out a dominant scent of his own.

Clarke had to remind herself that she was in public and many eyes were on her. She could feel them staring at her as she marched across the room.

“Princess,” Clarke bowed.

“Duke Griffin,” Reese spoke indifferently, and Clarke had to wonder why her father named her sister after this man.

“Lord Cadogan. It has been too long.” Clarke tried to act as jovial as possible, and smiled at him, but it grew when she turned to her mate.

The older man just huffed. “Not long enough. Control your scent pup, and stop assaulting the princess with your pheromones,” he threatened and turned away from her.

She was about to say something back to him but Lexa cut her off. “They don’t bother me, and I doubt the Duke was coming to see you uncle,” Lexa turned her head up at him and then raised her brow to him in challenge.

“Then it is a good thing I am here to chaperone. The Duke isn’t to be trusted with members of the royal family if rumours are to be believed.”

This time she growled and Lexa stomped on her foot. “Words are wind uncle. I believe it is close to time to make speeches, and Clarke and I plan to speak together. If you wish to join us you may, otherwise Gustus or Ryder will be with us.” Lexa stormed past him and Clarke followed her closely.

Clarke followed Lexa into her study. Gustus stood outside of the door while Ryder closed it behind him. Her mate closed the distance between them as soon as the door was shut.

“I’ve missed you,” Lexa moaned between kisses.

She was getting harder the more Lexa pumped out her scent. Their cycles were so close to starting. Her rut symptoms only seemed to get worse as Lexa continued her assault. Clarke didn’t dare to touch her. Not with Ryder in the room, clearing his throat whenever Lexa moaned deeply.

“This is unbearable,” Clarke growled.

When Lexa pulled back Clarke stepped into her space and held her hand. Lexa looked hurt, but Clarke knew it was just a symptom of her heat. The intense emotions that came over both Omegas and Alphas could make them sensitive emotionally.

“Not you. Never you,” Clarke promised as she gently touched Lexa’s hair and pumped out her scent. “I love you Lexa. Have you approached Costia?”

Lexa growled at her. “No. No one is helping you so no one is helping me.”

“I’ll speak with her.”

“You will do no such thing,” Lexa pulled her wrist keeping her from exiting the room to do just that.

Clarke stepped up to her mate and kissed her with everything she had. She kissed Lexa until she was breathless, and the knocking on the door grew incessant.

“It is time for speeches,” Gustus’s voice boomed.

They hadn’t bothered to rehearse theirs. They had been too busy kissing one another, and admiring the other's body. Clarke had to adjust herself in her pants, and Lexa exited the room first. Clarke trailed behind her and into the main foyer where the guests had gathered.

“Anya… You are not only one of my best friends, but you are family. You are one of the greatest guards, and confidants, a princess could ask for. You have guarded my back well, and I know you will keep your future bride safe. May you and Raven find the happiness in each other that you both deserve,” Lexa smiled during her speech and Clarke only had eyes for her.

Other people made their own speeches. Including her own mother, and Anya’s father. Her mother was an emotional wreck during the speech, while Reese said a few words as insulting as they were.

Clarke stepped in so that her sister would no longer have to hear him insult them. “Thank you Lord Cadogan,” Clarke smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I am afraid that if I don’t say this all now I will forget it.”

“Then you should have written down your speech,” he huffed.

She checked her pockets, acting like a fool in front of her friends, and their families, much to the delight of some of the crowd. “You know… I seem to have misplaced it,” she waved him off and climbed the steps to the stairs to give everyone a better view.

“I shall make this brief, so that the happy couple can enjoy a few dances before leaving on their honeymoon. I love my sister, and I love my friend. Never did I think that the two of them would come together, but cum together they have.”

Her mothers eyes bulged out of her head, and Bellamy elbowed a snickering Octavia. Clarke’s grandmother hid her expression under her fan, and her grandfather glared at her uncle who looked worse than Octavia.

“And I couldn’t be happier for them…. Whatever Lady Whisteldown writes next. I don’t think she could possibly capture the love and devotion that these two have for one another. Enjoy your honeymoon while it lasts, I am told it is one of the most memorable times amongst couples let alone mates. To Anya, and Raven, true mates, true loves, and true friends.”

“Here, here,” Bellamy raised his glass with her, and everyone drank up.

The musicians placed and before she could get to Lexa, Josephine cut in. “Cute speech Alpha. Would you like to cum together again?” Josephine asked as she ran her fingers up her arm.

“Clarke,” Lexa’s cold voice cut through the air. “It is customary for the best man and maid of honor to dance together during the opening dance.”

She didn’t even bother to look apologetic. She stuck out her arm for Lexa to take, and her mate pulled her closer to her body. Lexa led them to the dance floor, and Clarke only had eyes for her. From one song to another, both of them didn’t let go of one another. Anyone who tried to get them to part was promptly ignored, as they danced away from them.

It was easy to lead her mate across the floor. Lexa glided, it was like she was made to dance. Clarke as promised didn’t fumble. As much as she would enjoy falling just to have Lexa land on top of her, the room was full of eyes, and they were glued to them.

“Your scent is driving me wild,” Clarke whispered into her ear during the next song.

Lexa dropped her eyes, but subtly pushed out her scent, just a little to let her smell her own arousal. “I am dripping for you Alpha,” Lexa batted her lashes, and made the cutest face. It was far from innocent, and her words took effect.

Clarke groaned as she switched partners for a minute. She made small talk with a few partners, but mainly answered in yes, and no’s. Clarke had no desire for further conversation. All she wanted was her mate.

When Lexa was finally back in her arms she felt more at ease. She moved once more with confidence, and then next time they were supposed to hand off their partners, Clarke pulled hers in close, and brought them two steps off the dancefloor.

“I’m thirsty,” Clarke stated and Lexa gently pulled her in the direction of the drink table. Clarke swallowed one drink and then another. “Still thirsty. Perhaps there is something better to quench my thirst.”

Her mate leaned closer to her as their eyes darted around the room, taking in just how many people were indeed watching them. “As am I, but nothing good will come of it, if we act on impulse.”

“Stop teasing me.”

“Me teasing you,” Lexa growled. “You have every Omega in here practically offering themselves up to you with the scent you are pumping out.” Lexa looked her firmly in the eye. “And none of them are your mate. I am not faring any better than you are.”

“Let’s go outside,” Clarke said when she noticed Josephine making her way over to them with Luna.

The guards took up position at their backs as Clarke escorted the princess through the house and out to the back gardens. Her grandmother was outside sitting with her grandfather who was smoking away on his cigar.

Her grandparents made room for them, and when Clarke finally took a seat she realised how sore she was. Her back was healing, but she wasn’t at 100%. Between her oncoming rut, and the wedding preparations, she truly hadn’t had time to rest.

“Do you mind?” Clarke asked, pulling out a cigar of her own.

Lexa shook her head but her grandmother spoke up. “Well I do. So go over there with your grandfather, and give me some time with the princess.”

“As you say,” her grandmother said to them and her grandfather led her over to lean against the edge of a railing.

Few people came out to bother her. Chaperoned Omegas and their mamas caught her eye, but none of them dared to approach as she blew out giant plumes of smoke. It worked to keep them at bay. They did a quick walk of the gardens, and returned inside. A few kept glancing at her through the window but she ignored them.

“You remind me of my brother…” Her grandfather sighed. “That speech,” he laughed and shook his head.

“It just came out.”

“Of course it did,” her grandfather laughed again. “Glad you shut that prick up.”

“Someone had to. Seriously…. Who is that stuck up at a wedding? Speeches are supposed to make people laugh or cry from laughter, not from insults.”

“You are speaking of the princesses uncle dear, and we can hear you,” her grandmother scolded.

Her mate did look a little upset. She had heard that Lexa was close to her uncle, but she didn’t understand why. He was cold. He was always distant whenever she visited, and he only scolded them. Anya could come home with the highest marks, but it was never good enough for him… She had never liked him, and she should have been more careful with her words.

She looked apologetically at her mate. “Sorry,” she said and watched as Lexa turned to speak to her grandmother.

On occasion Lexa looked her way, but they were speaking in hushed whispers. Clarke’s grandfather handed her his flask and she took a nip and then another before handing it back.

“Princess Alexandria is beautiful.” Her grandfather said seriously, a lot less drunken, and loud than he was a few minutes earlier.

“Breathtaking.”

“Go dance with the girl Clarke. Then you should probably lock yourself in your rooms because your scent is foul.

Clarke knew she likely stunk. Alphas didn’t like the scent of other Alphas especially near their cycles. Clarke put out her cigar, and chucked the rest of it behind the hedges. “Don’t tell mother.”

“She will just blame your uncle for it,” he said, doing the same.

Lexa smiled up at her, as did her grandmother. In a matter of minutes her mate's scent got even sweeter.

“Dance with me?” Clarke asked her and Lexa took her hand. “Then I fear I must go.”

Her mate danced with her and pumped out her scent a little during the dance. Clarke groaned as she inhaled deeply. One dance turned into another before she allowed herself to be separated from her mate.

Clarke nodded to Ollie. He showed her the letter and the book that it was in. He would make sure that the princess got it.

Inside of the home she had bought so that she could sneak around with her mate she stripped herself of her clothing. Her cock was rock hard and she stroked it thinking of the princess. Perhaps it was cruel to ask Costia to help her through her heat, but thinking of the two of them together had her jealous, envious, and about to blow her knot.

One day followed by another. Only Edna’s cooking and the occasional letter stuffed under her door helped her through. This wasn’t like last time. It took her longer to orgasm, and no one was there to help speed up the process.

She fell asleep with anything that smelt of Lexa closest to her nose. From a dress she had worn weeks ago, to letters, and then little bits of silk she had given her. Clarke could only satisfy her basic cravings, but the urge to leave and knot her mate had her tying one wrist to the headboard, and praying for her cycle to end.

Losing track of days and not feeling any better she was surprised when someone felt brave enough to enter her room. She had growled at anyone who even took a step up the stairs, and her growl died in her throat when she saw who opened the door.

“Lexa,” Clarke sighed happily, and moved to get off the bed but her restraint kept her standing at a distance as her mate took in the sight of her room.

Her knot was still formed at the base of her cock. Her whole body was on display for her mate. Lexa no longer smelled of heat, but her scent had her whimpering with need.

“Gods Clarke,” Lexa marched forward and undid the rope that bound her wrist.

Lexa took her wrist and rubbed it trying to get the blood back into it. Clarke rested her head against her mate's bosom, and felt drunk off of her scent.

She kissed Lexa’s chest, and used her free hand to pull her mate forward. She squeezed her ass, and then flipped Lexa onto the bed and climbed on top of her. Clarke dove down to kiss her lips and only pulled apart to see her mates sparkling eyes.

“Hey,” Clarke smiled happily.

Her mate bit her lip and Clarke kissed her lips before kissing down her neck. She nipped and sucked at a place where she wanted to put a mating bite. “I missed you,” Lexa moaned and scratched at her back as Clarke lowered herself to brush against her core.

“Mine,” she groaned as she thrust her cock.

The Omega beneath her changed the angle of her hips and started to move against her. Clarke moaned and held herself up. Lexa felt good. Smelled so good. She was about to cum, and she didn’t stop until she was panting on top of the Omega as her cock coated her dress in cum.

“More,” Lexa exhaled as she pushed her down her ruined dress.

Clarke went under the dress and found her dampness. She flicked her tongue over Lexa’s bundle of nerves before sucking it into her mouth. Lexa bucked up into her and Clarke slipped a finger inside of her and then another as Lexa arched her back in pleasure.

“Clarke,” her mate moaned, spurring her on.

She pushed her fingers deeper and moaned around her clit. Her tongue had tasted Lexa’s arousal and she teased her as she tried to get more of the taste on her tongue.

Lexa guided her head back to where she wanted her. This kind of sex her mate was used to. Clarke had to prove her skill, and worth. She fucked on her clit and curled her fingers. Lexa’s legs slowly started to shake, and she felt her own cock hard against the sheets ready to burst.

“Yes… Oh Clarke!!” Lexa moaned loudly as she came around her fingers.

Clarke thrusted into the bed a few times, and came hard. She muffled her moans in Lexa’s cunt, and worked her way up to another orgasm.

“Alpha. Oh Clarke. It’s too soon. Oh,” Lexa moaned, her body still sensitive to the touch but that only made it easier for Clarke to make her cum. She did everything she knew her mate liked and Lexa gripped her shoulder, her nails dug into Clarkes skin as she came again.

Lexa tapped her shoulder once she recovered. Clarke crawled up the bed, and then flopped down beside her. Lexa was still in clothes but her dress was ruined. Along with Clarke’s sheets, and a few items around the room.

“That was the worst heat,” Lexa confessed as she gently brushed her fingers up and down Clarke’s chest.

“I told you to have Costia help you.”

“That isn’t fair. Not to me, you, nor Costia.” Lexa said seriously and Clarke understood her and pumped out her scent.

Lexa pushed out her own, and soon Clarke had her out of her dress. She played with her cunt a few more times as her rut slowly was sated. She smelt her mate, and could keep her cock firmly against the sheets. Enough friction and thinking about how good it would feel to finally be inside of Lexa had her cumming quickly.

“I can’t leave like this,” Lexa said, gesturing to herself.

Her maid’s outfit was ruined. Even naked before her, she was coated in both of their juices. Clarke went into the bathing room and set everything up for a bath. She then looked for her own maids outfits and stole one before quickly depositing it in the bathing room.

They stayed in the tub for a while. Lexa read on one side after she cleaned herself, and Clarke on the other sketching her beautiful mate. On occasion there would be a poem Lexa liked and she read it out loud, as Clarke captured her beauty on the page before her.

Once the bath was done Clarke helped her to dress. It wasn’t the same outfit. Not even the same colours. Lexa would have trouble sneaking back into the palace, but Clarke couldn’t help her. Not without getting her scent all over her, and ruining the chances of Lexa’s return to their sweet escape from their duties.

With a heavy heart she waved goodbye to the princess and watched her leave the home she had bought for the two of them. She grabbed the ruined dress and put it in the laundry for the maids to do when she called them back to work. Clarke may feel a little guilty, but they knew she was in rut and what to expect.

The upcoming week would likely be filled with entertaining the princesses. She was surprised she had yet to get a summons from the Queen.

Clarke made herself presentable and then returned to her family home. She had much to prepare for, including an end of season ball. Another chance to dance with her mate, she would trade costumes if she had to. Dancing with Lexa was a thrill that she could never get enough of.

So Clarke entered her family home full of ideas to make the once yearly event of the season one to remember. It would be a tradition that continued. She would make sure of it. Together as a family they would make new memories, instead of remembering old times.

She missed her father dearly. Just like her mother, and just like her siblings. It was time to move on though. He wouldn’t want them to continue to mourn him. She would make the masked ball one to celebrate life. A life she planned on spending with her mate. Queen be damned.

Chapter Text

Dearest readers of the Ton,

With Weddings come honeymoons. While tradition usually demands the Alpha take his or her new mate back to their estate, a few of you are breaking from the tradition.

Already Lady Anya, and Lady Raven are gallivanting around the countryside and have plans to winter in the colonies. What fun. Though not heirs with lands to look after they are free to travel and have many many plans for their extended honeymoon.

Another couple preparing to leave is Lincoln Trigeda and his future bride Octavia Blake. They haven’t planned a far adventure, just a journey to France, and then Italy to taste wine and dine before the first snow lands in europe.

Steve Turco has moved on from whores, but one shouldn’t judge them. The two on his arm likely made more this year than the richest Baron. The heir to his fathers fortune was seen sharing more than just a dance with Lady Niylah.

Lady Niylah does seem to pop up in my columns from time to time. Are all kisses innocent I wonder?

A few of the princesses have left the country preferring to return to their home country. Less competition for our own princess, who we can now confirm has her sights on Duke Griffin.

The couple was seen dancing together and only with one another at their families wedding. The sister of the Duke and the cousin of the Princess, also didn’t leave one anothers side.

After a time the Duke left, and so did the princess. Normally we would see one of them out on the streets during the week, but no… The Duke is bottled up in her home because of her rut… And the princess? Rumor has it hasn’t left the castle because she is in heat. Could they possibly be mates?

Be on the lookout for next week the Griffins are hosting their famous masked ball. I know I will be attending. Will you?

Until next time

Lady Whistledown

📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜

Lexa knew that Clarke had every intention of making her ball noteworthy. Her grandmother would be in attendance, as well as other members of high society.

Thankfully a couple of the princesses returned to their own countries. It wasn’t the competition that bothered her. She knew that Clarke was hers, and hers alone. It was the jealousy that chipped away at her resolve.

She wanted to have her mate fuck her and bring her pleasure. Her heat had been unbearable, and it would only get worse without her mate there to help her through it. Toys were for married and mated Omegas, her virginity was still something to be observed by a physician before her wedding.

That was something she hated the most. Knowing that when she was given away like a prize mare she would be inspected. It was no business of theirs. She was to be queen of the realm. Josephine had no qualms in giving herself away, and neither did Luna.

The Griffin's masked ball was fast approaching and she needed to find something to wear. A dress that was beautiful, and worthy of her station. One that could show off to her Alpha without causing a scandal. She also needed a mask.

When there was a lull in her day she decided to head into the city. When she arrived at the modiste she was recognized and pulled into a private fitting room. Aurora the owner brought in a dress, and fitted it to her herself.

It was elegant and white, containing real feathers that ran down the train. Once the woman was happy with her measurements she handed her a box and spun her around to look at herself in the mirror before leaving the room. Inside the box was a mask, as well as a note.

-You are my mate for life

Lexa put on the mask and noticed that it completed the outfit. The only bit of colour was from the mask. A yellow beak that covered her nose. It was beautiful. Her entire outfit was delicately planned out, and thankfully chosen for her, as she struggled to try and find something to wear.

Otto was waiting for her outside of the modiste. He ran over to the cake shop next door, and then Clarke stepped in front of her. Her mate looked beautiful in her light blue suit with tails. Clarke held out a hand gesturing to a table loaded with cakes, and Lexa looked between their two guards making sure that she wouldn’t have to fight them to allow them a few minutes together.

“You are so beautiful Lexa. I can’t wait to see you in your dress,” Clarke told her and picked up some cake before feeding it to her.

People were staring at them, but she ignored them. People would always stare, her grandmother had told her once when she was younger. It was how she handled the stares that mattered.

“Mhmm,” she moaned around a bit of cake. She was quiet enough to not draw any more attention. The moan was for Clarke and Clarke alone.

“I’m going to pick you up from the castle on Saturday at noon. You can come back to the house with me, and Charlotte can help you there. I wish to make an entrance with you, after your grandmother arrives. It will give us time alone together,” Clarke glanced at their guards. “Well as alone as we are allowed to be,” her mate smiled brightly at her.

They ate a couple more of the cakes together, but she used her own fork. If they continued to feed one another, a new whistledown would likely get printed days earlier than anticipated. Likely featuring just the two of them. She had already speculated that they were mates.

“So… Do I have to pick out my own shoes, or do you have those picked out as well?” She teased.

Clarke scowled and smacked her face to her hand like it had been something she had forgotten. “Yellow please. Try to match the colour of the beak and I will do the same. Or you can bring a pair and I can paint them. I will likely have to paint my own as well.” Clarke nervously bit her own nails before pausing outside of her carriage.

“See you Saturday,” Lexa smiled at her mate.

“Saturday,” Clarke smiled. “The days are long without your presence, and too short when you are near. Take care my love,” Clarke kissed her hand and helped her into the carriage before shutting the door and tapping it twice to let her driver know he could bring her back to the castle.

When Saturday came Lexa was up early and already preparing herself for the ball. Clarke didn’t arrive early to pick her up. Which was disappointing but she sent Otto and Marcus, and they brought her to the dress makers to have a final fitting before taking her to Griffin House.

Her mate looked gorgeous in a baby blue suit, and took the flights of stairs down to greet her two at a time. When she arrived before her, Clarke grabbed both of her hands before bringing them up to her lips for a case.

Lexa had never seen Clarke this nervous, and excited all at once. It was addicting, and when they finally had a minute alone she pushed her mate into the lounge and climbed on top of her.

Feeling bold she bit Clarke’s lip and pulled back slightly before releasing it. Her pheromones filled the room with arousal before she could stop herself. Clarke’s as well, and both of them panted, and could smell and feel the arousal in the room.

Clarke was hard beneath her and Lexa rocked her hips once before Clarke held onto them. “We can’t,” Clarkes voice was full of sadness, and Lexa eventually relented getting off of her.

The Alpha opened up the window before kissing her soundly and then taking her around the house showing her this and that. Clarke proudly introduced her to the serving staff, and everyone else who worked for the Griffins, and there were a lot of workers.

Chocolatiers brought in a giant chocolate covered egg over to one of the food tables set up and they were very careful with it. Clarke brought her into the kitchen and showed her a mini one, handing her a hammer to break it open to show miniature figures of animals. A lion, an elephant, a swan… It was beautiful, and it certainly would draw a lot of attention from the crowd.

Dashing back and forth across the house Lexa realised that Clarke put a lot of thought and effort into everything. The house was in such a state of decoration and party planning, she realised that it outdid Anya and Ravens wedding by miles.

She couldn’t stand back and watch so she started to help. First it was her helping Abby and the maids change the curtains in the main room to green. Forrest print as it was apparently called. Then she helped carry up glasses for the event while Clarke and the men did most of the heavy lifting, moving Casks of ale and wine outside to make less of a mess.

Since she had yet to come outside, she decided to take a peak. Madi and Reese had told her she would like it, but like was an understatement.

Outside of Griffin house in the backyard, there were so many decorations. A swan and its mate in the shape of a heart made an archway at the base of the steps leading back into the house. People would have to pass through it in order to get to the drink tables which were covered in such beautiful material she felt it a waste as they would only be dirtied as the night went forward.

The main tree was a decoration in itself. White strands ran up to a high branch in the form of a circle. The strands of white almost made a tent creating an obscured view of the area, but allowed for some privacy.

There wasn’t an inch of the house that wasn’t decorated. So many rooms and different spaces. Even the outdoor area was done in such a way that people would likely linger. Each room inside the house was also decorated just so.

“My granddaughter is very besotted with you,” Steven Turco stated.

“And I, her.” Lexa responded automatically, but wondered where her beautiful mate had gotten off to.

“We can see that,” Clarke’s grandmother responded. “Now come with me dear, we will get ready for the ball together,” the woman said, leading her away to a room where all the Griffin women were getting ready together with the help of other women.

The room was Abby’s by the smell of it. By all rights Clarke should have the Lords chambers, but she let her mother keep her rooms. Knowing that the Griffins and Turcos believed in sharing a room with their spouse and mate comforted her. She didn’t want to sleep in separate bedrooms. She wanted her mate to fill her room with her scent, until all she could breathe was her.

Her dress was pulled out and all of the women gushed over it before helping her get ready. There was a team of people to help her with her make up and hair. In all of her life she had just had one or two people to help her get ready. Not a team of them.

After what felt like hours and a few cups of tea later, she was finally allowed to look at herself in a mirror and she was blown away. She still looked like herself, but different. They had really dug into the swan look and made her arms and face a pale white, but her lipstick a dusty pink. Her hair was full of flowers, and was only partly up with two braids holding the rest behind her back where it fell in waves weaved together with white flowers.

A knock sounded on the door before the voice of the Griffins man Marcus Kane spoke up. “Guests are arriving, and I sent Wells and Bellamy to escort the princesses,” Marcus said kindly.

Reese, Madi, and Charlotte left with Abby, but Clarke’s grandmother remained and poured her a drink. She gently sipped it and looked out the window where carriages indeed started to arrive. The older woman placed a comforting hand on her own and Lexa gave it a gentle squeeze.

Clarke entered with her grandfather and they each had a drink in their hands as well. The older couple stepped away, and Clarke took a seat down opposite her.

Her mate looked gorgeous and Lexa found herself pumping out her scent, and Clarke did the same. The two of them looked each other over as they breathed in one anothers scents, and Clarke held her hand but slid a box across the table with her other hand.

“Open it,” she encouraged.

Inside the box was the identical diamond that Clarke had given her grandmother, but it was set in a necklace that was so intricate and beautiful. She had been given many necklaces before, but this was by far the most intricate, and detailed.

“May I?” Clarke asked, and Lexa tried not to cry, holding her head back and gently dabbing the outside of her eyes before looking at Clarke, who looked at her with concerned blue eyes.

“Please,” she choked on the word around a lump in her throat.

It was beautiful. She was beautiful. Her mate was beautiful. The whole house… All the decorations. Everything was perfect.

Musicians could be heard warming up downstairs as the house started to fill, but she sat there looking at her mate, and taking in her beauty as she knew Clarke was doing with her. She could see her left hand itched to sketch, or paint, and Lexa knew she would have a painting of herself at some point with the way Clarke was taking in every detail.

“The Queen has arrived,” Otto came bounding into the room to inform them.

“See you soon dear,” Clarkes grandparents said to her kindly. It was a warning, as much as it was a warm statement.

Lexa took Clarke’s mask and put it on her before Clarke did the same to her. Her mate paused to kiss her on the neck right at her pulsepoint.

She lost control over her scent at the same time that Clarke did. Their scents were already mingling before but now they were dancing together, and everyone at the ball would know who they belonged to. Who they loved, more than anything in the world. More than crown, and title. She would give it all up for Clarke.

“I’m going to get the musicians to play us in, and then we will talk down the stairs together, and share a dance,” Clarke explained before quickly leaving.

Charlotte came to grab her and held her hand as she walked out of the room and down the hallway. It was open so that she could see across and into the drawing room, but it also meant that people could see her, and many eyes were upon her. None so piercing as her grandmothers, but she focused on her favourite pair of eyes.

Clarke was watching her, and her mate looked as emotional as she felt, but when she stepped near Clarke covered her in her scent as she took her hand. The musicians changed their tune, and together they walked down the stairs. Clarke nodded to her grandmother, but led her away and into the ballroom to start their first dance.

God her mate was a sap, and was making a statement. They were making a statement.

Her mate spun her around to the music, and they only had eyes on each other. If people joined them, she couldn’t tell. Her eyes were on Clarke’s, and never left her. They moved through the room and even though her heat had just ended a fire burned in her core, and she had little control over the desire emanating from her body. Clarke’s own pheromones were no better, and as the song stopped they were so close together that she could nearly taste Clarke’s lips.

The Alpha could sense it and searched her face, and then she felt her hands manoeuvring her body, and she was falling. CLarke was tipping her forward and following after her. They were once again breathing each other's air and Lexa closed that space.

There was a collective gasp from the crowd as Clarke slowly raised her up, but didn’t pull her lips back from her own. Not until Lexa’s feet were firmly planted did Clarke remove her lips from her own, and then she raised her hand to kiss them and intertwined her fingers with her own before leading them off the dancefloor.

Hushed whisperings of the crowd increased but Clarke led her away from them and over to her grandmother. “Thank you for attending our ball, your majesty.” Clarke bowed, but didn’t let go of her hand.

“Your ball,” her grandmother said softly. “YOUR BALL!” She shouted, and pumped out her dominant scent making nearly everyone in the room's knees buckle. Everyone was looking at them now if they weren’t before. “Is lovely. Princess, Duke… Please show me the rest of the decorations.”

Showing her grandmother the decorations was more than code enough to speak in private. Clarke took her outside and they went under the tree with the streamers. Royal guards were set up around them, and she could see Clarke’s grandparents, uncle, and aunt Callie all watching from the drink table.

“My mate… My house… Our ball. What better way to announce ourselves to society, and my intent to claim your granddaughter because I will be claiming her.”

“She is not some prize to be won at a fair. She is the princess!” Her grandmother argued.

Lexa stepped forward. “Clarke told the princesses she would give this diamond to the one she intends to mate,” Lexa said, clutching her necklace. Clarke is the prize, and I have every intent of claiming her. You can show me suitor after suitor but it will only destroy relations with our country. I have chosen my mate, and will accept my fate.”

“Our fate,” Clarke squeezed her hand and pumped out her pheromones blanketing her in her comfort.

Her grandmother had strung them both along, and it was time to call her out. She didn’t want Josephine to be Queen… So in order to allow her as her successor, she would need to accept her choice of mate, because she wasn’t going to budge.

The heat she went through was excruciating. Costia was right. It would only get worse, and worse, and she didn’t want to go through another with the aid of her mate. She had felt Clarke’s fingers and now she wanted nothing more than to feel her cock, and she was trying her best to wait, but each passing day broke her resolve.

“Then your fate is sealed,” her grandmother said coolly before calling to her footman. “American whisky. A glass full,” her grandmother ordered.

Clarke and her exchanged nervous glances as they waited for her grandmother to tell them exactly which fate was sealed. Would they be packing their bags and sailing back to America or would they be preparing themselves to become the next Queens of England.

Lexa had never seen her grandmother drink so much in one sitting. One whole glass of whisky, a large snort of snuff followed by some nose clearing, and her grandmother finally turned to face them.

“Our fate?” Clarke dared to ask, and was given a look from her grandmother that had her taking a small step backwards.

Her grandmother had a wicked smile on her face now. “Sealed as I said,” her grandmother took a step out of the area that gave them a slight amount of privacy. “Royally. New seals will need to be made up, for yourself and for your consort… And you Lexa will be dealing with the fallout from Josephine. Any issues with Russia are now yours to handle dear.”

Lexa turned to Clarke and her own happiness was reflected back at her. Clarke brushed her cheek against her own, and Lexa shivered.

“Soon,” Clarke promised, and straightened her own suit out before they followed after her grandmother.

Abby Griffin was waiting at the archway into the house and handed the Queen a glass of whiskey before nodding to them. She was happy. Everyone was happy. Well everyone but her grandmother who was putting on a fake smile, and confirming the royal engagement to everyone in attendance.

Clarke danced with her some more, pulling her away from Josephine and finding new ways to keep her cousin at bay. Josephine had a crowd of suitors approaching her everytime she stopped dancing and she knew Clarke had everything to do with it, and she shot her mate grateful looks and pumped out her scent letting her know how pleased and happy she was as they greeted this lord, and that lady.

“Congratulations,” Luna and her mother approached, both wearing dresses that had a sort of mermaid effect.

Lexa flashed her teeth at the women, only briefly, but they did notice. Luna’s mother let out a large laugh and then walked away, and Luna nodded respectfully to the two of them before walking after her.

“Lex,” Clarke warned.

“Mine,” Lexa said, pulling Clarke over to a quiet corner, still within eyesight of the gathered crowd.

“All yours Lexa. Since the moment you saved me, there has and will be no one else. You are my soulmate, and my heart beats for no other. I want no other. I need no other,” Clarke looked at her with a lust filled expression and she wanted to quiver.

“Do you think we could sneak away?” Lexa sighed.

Clarke sighed, and then gently brushed her cheek with her thumb. “Monday at my place. I am sure I will be called to the castle tomorrow to get an earful.”

“I will be there to stand by your side. No more doing things alone.”

“Together,” Clarke promised, kissing her hand before leading her back out onto the dancefloor.

When it came time for the musicians to take a break the giant egg was then set up in the ballroom and Clarke was handed a mallet. Her mate handed it to her and then placed her own hand on top of hers. “Soon we will cut a cake together. But for now let’s dazzle our people.” Clarke spoke so powerfully and had a bright smile on her face.

Lexa brought the mallet down on top of the egg like they had done earlier. The egg broke and out came pieces of chocolate that had the children running in.

Madi and Aden weren’t alone. Other people had brought their young children, but they were exempt from masks. She laughed along with the rest of the crowd, and Clarke handed her a swan and she held her own. When they brought them together it was close to the swan archway. They made a heart, and this time the crowd sighed, and Clarke playfully ate her piece of chocolate.

“Mine,” her mate purred quietly and held her close to her as they made their way outside to refresh their drinks.

The ball flew by. Lexa lost track of how many dances she had with her mate. It was the only time that they could hold one another, without getting stared or glared at. Clarke didn’t dare kiss her on the lips again, but she missed the feeling of them.

So much so that when Clarke escorted her and her very drunk grandmother, and pissed off cousin to the royal carriage she nearly begged for one.

“See you tomorrow,” Clarke promised her, with a kiss to the hand, and a glance up to her grandmother, to indeed confirm that they would be meeting tomorrow Clarke stepped away, and she immediately missed her presence.

Back inside her room in the palace, safely away from Josephine and her grandmother, she took out one of Clarkes old shirts, and slept only in it.

It seemed that her mate felt the same way. Clarke broke in through the window right before she was about to fall asleep.

“I love you. I love you, I love you,” Clarke said, stripping off her clothing and crawling into bed with her.

Lexa was stripped of her shirt as Clarke placed kiss after kiss on her heated skin. “I wish to try something,” the Alpha stated and arranged their positions so that she was on top and face to face with Clarke’s cock.

“Oohhh,” Lexa moaned when she felt Clarke’s tongue swipe her folds.

Clarke’s cock bobbed in front of her just waiting to be caressed, and Lexa grabbed it with one hand as she used the other to hold herself up. It had been quite a day, but she had energy enough to please her mate.

When Clarke sucked on her clit Lexa decided to taste her cock. Licking it before sucking on her tip in time to the way that Clarke was sucking on her. There was nothing rushed about what they were doing. It didn’t feel like they were chasing down pleasure, they were just exploring.

“Clarke,” Lexa moaned when her mate growled into her cunt. The vibration of which, and the possessiveness had her teetering over the edge.

“Lex,” Clarke moaned and Lexa could only jerk her cock for a couple moments as her orgasm started.

“Ohhhhh!” Lexa screamed and then muffled her cries on Clarkes cock, and was rewarded with her seed.

After she finished cumming Clarke turned them both around and Lexa laid her head in the crook of her arm before placing a hand on her chest. “I wish to be wed soon.”

“The country will think us hasty for another reason.”

“I don’t care,” Lexa answered honestly.

“You do. I do… I am thankful for your grandmother finally agreeing, but our wedding will be done before the year is up. Just not as soon as either of us really want it to be. I can wait.” Clarke said gently stroking her back.

When she woke up in the morning her mate was still there, gently resting beside her. Lexa placed a gentle kiss to her cheek, and Clarke slowly woke up, and they got dressed together, teasing and flirting. She had to look out the door to her rooms to help Clarke exit them, and then together they made their way into the dining hall for what would likely be the start of a very long day.

As Lexa sat down with her mate to break their fast before the rest of the royals in the palace decided to join them, she noticed the latest edition of Lady Whistledown beside her plate. Clarke caught a glance of it as she tucked in her chair, and her mate put a supportive hand on her shoulder. A very long day indeed. The Queen was not going to like this.

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Dearest readers of the Ton

It gives this author great pleasure to announce this before the Queen… I am sure that this news will both delight and may destroy some of you, but the Duke of Arkadia is now engaged to our darling princess.

Any Lord and Lady who was in attendance to last nights Griffin ball can attest to the fact they were glued together. From their hands to their hips, and then to their lips. They remained within touching distance after the Duke presented the swan to all those who arrived on time for the ball.

To those who arrived late, or didn’t have the pleasure of attending, the Duke had everything planned out. From the theme to the outfits. Princess Alexandria looked beautiful in her flowing dress, full of white feathers, jewels, and intricate stitching. The masks the two wore were matching, and the Duke herself also had flowers in her hair.

After powerfully walking down the stairs they shared the first dance of many, and then spoke to the Queen. No person was able to get close enough to hear what was said, but the announcement was clear. They were to be wed.

Once back inside the ball the Queen stayed deep in her cups, but none drowned their sorrows more than the Princess Josephine. One granddaughter happy as can be with her mate, and the other mourning the fact that the most eligible bachelor in England is finally off the market.

The pair made quite a statement. Swans are one of the few species that take a mate, and that appears to be what the couple is… Mates. Each individual scent has now started to mix, and this author thinks they are going to be one powerful couple.

Though swans don’t scream threat, this couple is not to be underestimated. Mark my words this couple's reign will be a golden one.

Now… For the rest of the news.

You don’t truly want that do you?

Well enough about the Princess and her future Queen consort…

Jasper Jordan and his lady friend Maya Vie were seen together dancing at the ball for 4 dances. Safe to say another engagement is in the cards.

There is also another rumour going around that Lady Raven and Lady Anya aren't actually exploring the countryside, but living in it. One of them seemed to have caught the nine month flu.

If that is the case, the local dressmaker has been doing a most phenomenal job. Not only did she outfit the entire Griffin Clan and the princess for the ball, but she has been able to hide something rather large for that family as well.

So… Will they? Or Won’t they? That question can relate to so many different things discussed in this article that I will just let you decide for me dearest reader.

Until the next scandal,

Lady Whistledown

Chapter Text

A royal wedding. Her daughter was set to marry the future Queen… Clarke was going to be Queen Consort. Her baby girl had grown up long ago, but hopefully now she would get to see her grow into the Alpha she always knew she could be.

The estate could be run without Clarke. She had handled it for a few years with the help of Marcus, and they would do it again until Aden got older, and then until one of Lexa and Clarke’s children took over.

Because there would most certainly be children. Their scents were nearly identical at this point. All there was left to do was say the vows, and later exchange the marks, and she knew for a fact that methods of birth control were hit and miss. Especially in the case of true mates.

“What do you think of this colour?” Callie asked her.

Abby shook her head. “No… Purple is not either of their colours. Especially a tone that dark.”

“The pale green is lovely dear,” her mother said.

“Shouldn’t my future bride have a say in this? Why am I even here?” Clarke grumbled.

Her daughter's friends and her own brother had taken her out on the town the night before, and Clarke had come home very early, and woke up the entire house. She considered this her punishment. Well as much as a mother could punish their adult children, who technically were in charge of the house. And her… Backwards laws.

“Lexa is busy sending off a few of the princesses and has plans to entertain the remaining royalty this afternoon. I could barely get an audience with her this morning,” she lied.

Clarke’s mate was busy, but it was her own grandmother keeping her so. Punishing her really. Josephine, Luna and Echo were the only princesses remaining, but the princes had arrived, and they needed to be entertained.

The wedding would go on. She had spoken to the Queen at great length about it. Clarke was the best choice. Lexa would be supported by her mate. The one person who would love her unconditionally, because that was how she had raised her daughter.

“Mother, the wedding won’t be until December. And it will be at the palace. I am sure that the Queen will make all the necessary arrangements. I don’t care about the colours. I just care about marrying my mate.”

“This is for the engagement party. A bridal party, while you Alphas go play cards. We are hosting it. It is the one caveat the Queen has accepted, and it will be hosted at Griffin House. Marcus and I will see to the harvest, and you will go back with the Queen and Lexa to the Palace, to prepare for your roles as the future leaders of Great Britain.” Abby explained to her daughter.

“Then let grandmother pick. I am going to get something to eat,” her daughter grumbled.

Fine….Between herself, mother, and Callie, they would have everything planned and prepared, so that Lexa would have a fun time. It was more about the bride anyway. It always was.

So Abby and her mother bickered over colour schemes and china, while Callie gave unhelpful advice, and didn’t bother to pick a side. There was no tie breaker, so they strong armed the shop keep into helping so that they could pick everything out.

Next they went to the cake maker, and she told him what she wanted, her mother told him what she wanted, and Callie got to choose a cake to take home for dinner.

Without Jake in her life, her friend had filled that gaping hole she felt. Her children also helped her to keep on going, but now… Now they didn’t really need her anymore, and the company she desired was of desire.

Marcus was always helpful, he was friends with her husband, and he understood that Jake was her true mate. But having a true mate didn’t mean staying celibate, and now she felt confident in herself again, and it didn’t matter who she spent time with. Marcus had military experience, and that had many lords respecting him.

Whistledown would likely write about it, if she caught a whiff of it. To some it would be scandal, and to others, it might be freeing. Raven and Anya had a tough time at first, but they loved one another. Maybe others would be comfortable enough to spend time in public with those that they truly desired.

If only society would advance enough for Omega, and Omega pairings. Costia was a sweet girl, but a little lonely. She could see it on her face. The young woman supported her friend's decision to get married, but she noticed the longing. Maybe she no longer longed for Lexa, but she longed for a dedicated relationship. To have someone to love and hold.

Her mother had also brought it up to her, and right now she was thinking that maybe the best place for her would be in America. Clarke certainly had enough property, and her brother liked the Omega well enough to strike up a friendship. Though the sister, he truly had his eye on. That was becoming clear.

Niylah had been such a large part of their family as the kids grew up. She was best friends with Clarke and all of them expected it to bloom into something more, but life had other plans and its own way of working out. Perhaps Niylah would become part of the family after all, and maybe Costia could find a love of her own.

“Fight! There is a fight!” A young man called and soon the street was full of people running towards wherever the fight was happening.

Kane appeared, and then looked at them. “We should go,” he said, grabbing their shopping and hurrying them along to the carriage.

Her mother climbed in first, and then Callie, before he urged her to get in before shutting the carriage door behind her. Afterwards he ran up and took the reins and they took off down the street heading back to Griffin House.

At around 8 o'clock she stopped her pacing. The Queen had sent a guard, and a note.

Collect your daughter at 8 am tomorrow. I am letting her stew in the Palace dungeon. Though she didn’t start the fight, she is now a royal, and shouldn’t have stepped in. Because she did so the fight escalated, and now 3 royal guards have joined her in the cell, and I am dealing with one angry prince of Italy.

To her surprise the letter wasn’t even from the Queen but from Lexa. Well that girl was smart. Clarke deserved some sort of reprimand, but even a night in a cell was likely not even a punishment. She knew her daughter, and it would only give her time to stew in her opinion.

When she had to send Clarke to her room growing up, as punishment sometimes the Alpha would come out even more sure that her previous action was correct, and her punishment and reaction was wrong. Too stubborn for her own good… But she didn’t want Lexa’s letter to go unanswered so she asked the guard to deliver one of her own.

I suggest forcing her to eat an uncooked breakfast. Raw eggs, a hard potato… Things she despises. Because she will come out of that cell thinking she was in the right. But you made the right call. Clarke needs to learn to think before leaping, but that was never her strong suit. She is your problem now, but anytime you wish to talk I will be here for you. Goodluck.

Afterwards she drank some strong brandy with Callie, and her mother and father, and played some cards. As they played each of them went around the table and told a story about Clarke and her stubbornness. The Alpha pride, as her father liked to call it.

“One time… Clarke got frustrated with the staff at our house. She would go out for her day. Hunt with some of the locals, and then return. After her bath she would go to the kitchen, and she would notice these muddy boot prints. For weeks she got on the staff, until one of them. Bless her soul. Was brave enough to point out that Clarke had been the culprit all along.” Her mother laughed at the story.

Her father joined in her mothers laughter and soon they all did. “Clarke asked them multiple times to not let anyone making deliveries enter the house. To make sure that everyone took off their own shoes, and boots… But then forgot to take off her own. She stewed on it for the entire night and didn’t talk to anyone for a few days before apologising to the staff.”

“They just handed her her boots back clean and polished, just like their own, but now our staff don’t wear shoes in the house, and we don’t care. It is such a funny story, and we tell it to everyone who comes over, when they ask,” her mother said and that got a laugh out of her.

“I bet Clarke hates that,” Abby added. “One time… She painted me this picture. It was just on a piece of paper and she put it on the shelf by the door. Well. wherever someone opened or closed the door it would fall down, but Clarke didn’t want it placed anywhere else. She wanted it to be the first thing Jake and I saw in the morning before leaving our room.”

She remembered it falling so many times and Clarke picking it up each and every time. “It happened so often it eventually got really beat up and Jake bought her her first piece of canvas, and brought the picture over and had her recreate it. When he placed it on the mantel, in a frame hanging it so it wouldn’t fall over, he asked Clarke if it was better. She stubbornly replied "no.”

“Jake bought at least 10 more canvases, and all of them were better than the last but Clarke didn’t see it that way. The first was the best. No matter how much she improved with each canvas, and how many times Jake changed the painting out for the new one it wasn’t as good. Finally we gave up. Jake bought glue and glued the painting to the next canvas after Clarke said it wasn’t as good…. She was so mad we did that, but then so happy at the same time when we hung up the first work.”

“Stubbornness… That comes from our side of the family Abby,” her father said. “And Clarke has it in spades.”

Callie started to laugh uncontrollably and she had a feeling she knew which time she was bringing up. “There was a time when Clarke heard the expression ‘dig a hole to Antartica’…. Oh, the sweet young thing wanted to see penguins so badly that she dug such a hole in my garden that she needed help getting out… Well instead of asking for help she kept digging, further and further. And I eventually had a place to put a pool,” Callie laughed and laughed and she joined in, remembering that summer.

“How did you get her to stop?” Her mother asked.

“By bribing her with something she truly hated if she didn’t get out of that hole, and into the bath… I told Clarke she would have to change Madi’s diapers until she had her completely potty trained. She climbed the ladder before 2 weeks turned into 2 years.” Abby smiled at her mother, and remembered a cute blonde child, so full of energy. Lexa was sure to have hands full in a few years.

They went a few more rounds of cards, and swapped stories about a few of the other children. The less stubborn ones. How Madi and Aden were starting their small rebellions, and wanted to be treated like adults, and attend balls, and parties.

She had many thoughts about them. Charlotte and Reese were old enough that their lessons were done. If they wished to learn anything tutors could be brought in. Madi and Aden, well Aden especially needed to attend school, and there… Since his sister was marrying the future Queen, he would likely face bullying and ridicule.

“Perhaps I should pull Aden from Eton, and he can go with you to America. Madi has already befriended princess Luna and wishes to go to Greece…. I think the older kids will handle the backlash of Clarkes marriage better than the younger ones. There they could start fresh. Without preconceived notions or judgements about their sister, and her wife.”

“I would like that,” her father spoke up quickly.

“We would like it if Madi comes as well… But… I have yet to see Greece if she has need of a minder,” he mother offered.

“I offered to go with her. Perhaps afterwards I can drop Madi off in America and return on one of those steam ships,” Callie offered.

So many offers, and friends. But She wanted to give her children everything that she wanted. She wanted to give them strength and courage, but she also needed to protect them. That was what it meant to be a mother.

So the following day she called for the children and gave them each an offer. Aden could go to America for school. Madi could go to Greece for half a year with Callie who could find an appropriate tutor for her if she wished to continue to study their language and culture.

“But Eton,” Aden argued.

“Will still be there next year, and the year after that. Go to America after the wedding, and see a part of the world that those as Eton haven’t been to. Come back with stories Aden. Enough so that I can tell them to Clarke and Lexa. Enough to get you through the good days and the bad. Eton isn’t going anywhere. But you are. My sweet boy,” she said before kissing her son on the cheek.

Madi was already up and packing. Her father led Aden out by the arm and started to tell him about the parts of America he believed the lad would like. Reese was sitting in the great room with her mother, and receiving suitor after suitor, but this time she was not interested in any of them.

“Enough for the day,” she said, getting their attention. We have dress fittings, and things to prepare for. Tomorrow we will receive you in the afternoon until supper. Have a good evening gentlemen.”

Her daughter came up to her and thanked her… Before letting her emotions loose. “None of them were interested in me before Clarke became engaged to the princess. None of them. I even worked up the nerve to ask Lord Finch to dance one time knowing it would ruin my reputation and he refused me. Now he brought me a bouquet of flowers, and spoke poetry to me, while his mother watched.”

“Awful… I know… I promised Madi she could go to Greece after the wedding to get away from all of this. Do you wish to go to America with Aden… I know we talked about it, and your grandmother would spoil you. None of the suitors there would know who you are, other than your grandfather's granddaughter. Start over. Start fresh,” Abby wiped away her daughter's tears, and held her close to her heart.

“But you mother. Who will look after you,” Reese worried.

Abby pulled her in for a tighter hug. While she worried about all of her children. It seemed her children had that same sort of worry towards her.

“I’ll be fine. Charlotte can come back and help around the estate, and I will have. Marcus, he asked me to dance the other day. Did you know?”

Reese laughed. “We all know… Well maybe you won’t be so alone. Will you write to be mother?”

“Everyday if that's what you want.”

“Maybe once a month,” Reese teased and she finally put on a smile.

“Tomorrow I will have Clarke sit with you. She should be home soon, but it is her duty, and she won’t accept any of them. She will see them for what they truly are. Tell her what you told me, and Clarke will take the lead, and insult them all for you if you wish. Or better yet put them in their place.”

This time Reese gave her a crushing hug.

Before Clarke could return a fresh whistledown arrived, and it of course brought news of the fight. At least this time, it wasn’t all about her family.

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Dearest readers,

It has come to my attention that some of you are not all gentle. Well I knew that of course as did a lot of you, but what some of you might not have known was that the Duke of Arkadia was caught fighting in the street.

Rumour has it words were said about our princess and her mate jumped in to defend her honour. Another rumour is that the Duke saw an old rival and wanted to show off her military prowess…

This author would like to put rumours to rest. Our Duke broke up a brawl, and in doing so guards jumped in to defend her. More people jumped in, and before long the two people who originally started the fight were long gone.

The only one arrested was our Duke and the Italian Prince who goaded the beggars into fighting with the promise of coin. Just in case you thought that a foreign prince could make a good husband. I suggest leaving this prince alone. His actions only make this author more assured of our own princesses choice in consort. Duke Griffin will be the best consort, for the realm at hole, but mainly for the people. The small folk as we are oft called.

Perhaps the Queen had intended competition for Princess Alexandria’s hand, but the competition is mute. The princess seen in the town with the visiting royals was as disinterested as possible. No smiles… The Duke of Arkadia though seems to be the one she reserves those for. So like I said, there is no competition. Who wants a wife let alone a mate that is dour. I think our princess is doing a good job of sending them packing.

Reese Griffin has also seen her fair share of suitors, though at this point, she has likely figured it out. They are not after her but what her family could offer… That is the basis of most matches, but the Griffins, and apparently the Turcos, her mothers side of the family marry for love. I dare say she will no longer find it on English soil. Not when all the poppycocks and their mothers arrive with gifts meant to make her forget being shunned by them all earlier in the season.

Jasper Jordan and Mia Vie or should I say Jordan have tied the knot. How will they celebrate? By returning to his estate, and returning in time to attend his friend's wedding. Few people were in attendance. Niylah Green and her non-relation Monty Green were the only witnesses aside from the young girl's father. Hopefully they will have another ball that we can celebrate at next year at the beginning of the season.

London is busier than it ever has been, and with it comes crime. Already a certain Lord has taken it upon himself to return in hopes his family will be invited to the wedding. Roan Queen… I think your invitation was lost in the mail.

Another crime that is being committed is by a french silk merchant…. It isn’t french at all… But it has been acquired from India. Do not fret the woman has been charged, fined, and sent packing to Australia.

Speaking of Penal colonies, they should be packed as the Queens dungeon. As I said, crime is on the rise. Be wary, be cautious, but most importantly do not travel alone. Especially at night.

Who knows when Lord Roan will be leaving but the women in this city just aren’t safe with him here. I suggest he be the first on a boat to Australia, but it seems having Lord's blood gets these pig headed abusers exempt from all crimes.

Stay safe readers, and if you need to think of happy thoughts think of the royal wedding. I know I will be. What is the colour scheme? What food will be served? And who will be officiating. The Dukes family is catholic, and the Queens protestant. I doubt a little religious squabble will tear these two apart, but I have been known to be wrong… Rare as it is.

Remember the only way to combat crime is to report it, and not participate in it. We must be the change we wish to see in the world.

Lady Whistledown.

Chapter Text

To say she was pissed at her mate was an understatement. Clarke had essentially turned a small fight into a brawl. Damage was done to buildings and businesses goods. And her mate was still head strong in saying she was right.

It mattered little what the prince had said. The original fight happened because the prince of Italy was bored… When he added her name into the mix of why things were so boring her mate reacted before thinking.

Lexa didn’t need her mate to defend her honour. If Clarke was to do so she would spend the rest of her life outside of the Palace beating up every person who disagreed with something her grandmother, or eventually herself decided upon.

Which wasn’t the life she wanted for her mate.

Clarke really had nothing to learn. It wasn’t like she was raised in a barn. She knew what fork went with what dish, and how to bow. Her mate could be the perfect gentleman, but… That wasn’t what her grandmother had her working on.

Wanheda was a part of Clarke, and as such she got to see the dark side of her mate. Which was what her grandmother was adamant on showing her. If anyone was to blame for Clarke’s brazen displays at the moment it was her. She loved her grandmother, but this was too much.

The Queen was essentially throwing Clarke into situations just to get a ride out of that dark spot inside of her. Her grandmother not only wanted to show her the darkness, but wanted Clarke to have a better grasp of her anger, by driving her to anger, which she didn’t think was the solution, but she wasn’t allowed to say anything because her grandmother threatened to call off the wedding.

So she and her mate had to jump through hoops. She had to plaster a smile on her face, and put up with conversations with Josephine who once again was pulling pranks on her. And just like Clarke… She wasn’t allowed to say anything or do anything, and she was nearing her breaking point.

Luna’s mother was loose. Like inviting all the palace guards to have an orgy with her loose. And said party kept up half of the palace once night, and Clarke pulled her closer to her as they snuggled in her bed.

She stayed up the entire night listening to them, smelling them when she opened the door to the hallway… It was a lot. And all she could think about was that her mate had once been part of it. Had once indulged in many different women at a time, and how could she compare.

They had not had sex yet, but had done other stuff. Things that made her toes curl just thinking about them. Acts that she was once repulsed by the thought of she eagerly participated in, and… One act that she thought Costia excelled at, Clarke was so experienced at that she had her screaming her name within minutes.

So… After hearing everything from the night before, and smelling it in the castle for the majority of the morning, while the staff started special fires, and opened windows, she came to a conclusion. She needed to learn more…

There was no way she was asking Luna. She was polite and likely wouldn’t speak of Clarke, but her Omega would rage and think that she was. Which left few people. Costia knew nothing of Alphas. Her sister did, and had had Clarke before so that ruled her out.

Eventually she came to the conclusion that there was no one she knew that would speak of sex that didn’t know her Alpha… One person came to mind and she sent a courier to them hoping that they were willing to meet.

Out of all the people her Alpha had slept with, she decided to go with the one she was least interested in. Harper was also a sex worker, so she would know things. Clarke had also told her it was just one time… So she believed her Alpha and decided that Harper had likely slept with so many people that any information she had for her wouldn’t be based off of her experience with Clarke, but with Alphas in general.

Thankfully the Omega decided to accept her invitation and was already on the way to Clarke’s house. Well the house that not many people knew about. So she quickly got dressed and asked for a driver to take her to the estate.

She had to have a chaperone. She was an older woman. But her grandmother was firm on having her stay by her side. But… That was mainly to protect her from Alphas and men. Thankfully she didn’t say anything when she noticed Harper, and Lexa asked her to wait in the kitchen.

“You wished to see me, your grace?” Harper asked.

“Yes..” Lexa sighed and sat down beside her, and Harper poured her some tea that the staff had set out for them.

“Is there a particular reason?” Harper asked, but she had this knowing smile.

Lexa twisted the bit of napkin in her lap and then looked up at the blonde. “I wish to discuss how to please an Alpha. I know Clarke has been with many women, and I don’t wish to disappoint her.”

“You won’t,” Harper smiled, and then realised she was serious and wouldn’t drop the subject. The Omega got up off of her chair and straddled her. “You have to guide them. Otherwise they will take what they want. But you need to be in charge.” Harper grabbed Lexa’s hands and brought them to her own breasts and ground her hips.

“We have done things like this,” Lexa blushed.

Harper bit her lip and then got off of her lap. “Then you don’t need my help. But it seems like what you do need is reassurance, and I can give you that.”

The Omega sat back in her chair and poured her some more tea, and Lexa drank it quickly before wishing it was something a little stronger. Harper caught her eye and laughed, before pulling a flask from her bosom and pouring some of it into the cup.

“Thank you,” Lexa said before taking a sip.

“Clarke talked about you… I mean she really talked about you… To anyone who would listen. She was so happy to have a mate, but sad at the same time, because you were so much younger than her, and wouldn’t realise it until years later. She also didn’t know who you were. She thought you a servant, and not a future Queen.”

“I know,” Lexa said, taking another sip and remembering Clarke’s confessional will.

“Well… Then you should know that Clarke will never crave anyone or want anyone like she wants you. I haven’t seen her look twice at other women since you found each other. Which means you and only you have her heart.”

“I know that,” Lexa said feeling frustrated. She wanted information on how to make her happy and keep her in her bed, not to speak on things she already knew.

Harper seemed to sense her frustration. “The underside of the cock. Near the tip. There is a little patch of wrinkly skin… They loved that being played with. Soft touches. As a rule of thumb start off soft and work your way up. Starting too hard and then trying to find the right grip or pace tends to slow down pleasure instead of building it up.”

“Okay,” Lexa said and had to agree. One time Clarke had pinched her nipple too hard, and it hurt and all the pleasure she felt before just vanished.

“Squeeze your walls. It is good practice, and will help recovery after child birth… Or so I am told. As a matter of fact I am practising right now. Just focus on your lover region and squeeze.” Harper told her.

Lexa concentrated and squeezed. She had managed to tighten around Clarke’s fingers, and she pretended she was gripping them. But without them there she just squeezed as hard as she could until everything tightened. “Ohh,” she said.

“Ohhh indeed. It will help keep you tight and Alphas love a tight squeeze,” Harper explained and poured her some more of the drink.

“What else?” Lexa asked curious as to what she could learn, because none of the palace staff would tell her any of this. Nor would a physician.

Harper looked to think about it for a moment. “Alphas love praise. They love hearing about how big they are. How their knot feels… But there is one thing the majority of them have in common and its a breeding kink. When they knot you the primal part of themselves is wanting that outcome. As is your Omega… So during your shared heat and rut even if your drinking tea, and know it isn’t likely. Beg for it.”

“Beg to be bred even though it won’t happen?”

“Logic is thrown out the window during those couple days. Begging for it, presenting yourself. If you want to drive the Alpha wild and want to be fucked and filled show them the cum leaking from your cunt… Alpha drive will bring out their knot to keep it all inside of you.”

Oh… All of this was a lot. She felt herself heating up at the thought of being bred by her mate. “And if I wish to be bred?”

“Both of you will abstain from birth control…. If you wish to lay on your back prop pillows under your hip… Watch this glass for a moment,” Harper said, pouring some more alcohol into the glass and tipping it. “Some will escape, but… certain positions you are in help to keep it all in, which will increase your chance of conception if that is your goal.”

Lexa blushed… She couldn’t help it. All she wasn’t thinking about was these positions that Harper was now drawing out for her, and how to keep her mates seed inside of her. How to get with child.

The other Omega drew her illustrations in a book and handed it to her and she slipped the book inside of the pocket in her dress. She would look at the rest later. There were many different ones, and she practised her muscle exercises as she sipped on the rest of her alcohol.

“How is the dress coming along? Do you have everything you need for underneath it?” Harper asked.

Lexa was confused. She always wore a shift under a dress. So of course she had everything she needed to wear underneath of it. There was something in the way Harper stared that had her wondering what she meant. “I have a white silk shift.”

Harper put her lips together squeezing them tight… “Meet me at the dressmakers tomorrow. You asked for my help so I will give it to you. Maybe have some actual questions ready, so I can answer them,” Harper teased, and then walked her to the door.

She waited in the carriage for her minder, and then sent her out into the dressmakers to let her know that she would be arriving the following day. That way she would have a private area to change, and speak to Harper.

The following day she arrived at the dressmaker. Costia was back in town and she didn’t want her to stay with the Greens, so she ordered her up to the palace, and she stayed in her old room. She was with her when they arrived at the dressmakers, and Lexa was grateful to have her opinion.

“This,” Harper said, holding up what looked to be a part of a dress. “Is what you are to wear underneath. Or at least something similar,” she smiled at her, and a couple other women walked into the room and took her measurements.

Costia helped her to get out of her dress, and then her and Harper worked on putting the garment around her. Her breasts were pulled back, and together. Lexa’s cleavage wasn’t allowed to fall or drop. It was raised up, being held together by lingerie, as the dressmaker called it.

“I bet your Alpha will want you so badly she won’t be able to take this off before having you,” her friend teased.

Lexa looked at herself in the mirror and had to agree. There was also a pair of stockings with matching lace, and a suspender of sorts holding them all together. This was only for measurements sake. Harper had the appropriate women to take her measurements to make something custom to match the gown Aurora was working hard on.

She hadn’t really come up with any questions for Harper. There were some things she wanted to figure out on her own. Harper had answered what she needed to know. And she had come to the realisation that Harper was right. What she was looking for was reassurance from someone other than her mate, that she was what Clarke wanted. Who she wanted.

Looking at Costia she realised that Clarke was the only one she wanted. She loved her friend, and would love her for the rest of her life. That love didn’t hold a candle to what she felt for Clarke. Her Alpha was special, and she knew that Clarke thought of her the same way.

“Let’s hope the dress survives. Clarke has always wanted one of my dresses, and this shall be the only one I give her,” Lexa teased, and Costia laughed. They then had to explain the dress story at the barn raising party to Harper, and the Omega had a good chuckle as well.

They may have come from different worlds, but the three of them were getting along well. She wanted to invite Harper to the castle, but her grandmother had her opinion on Steve Turcos known associates. So she would just have to keep meeting Harper in secret, and hope for a match between her, and maybe one of her Lords, and then she would call her to the palace whenever she felt like.

“Do you have a spot in mind for the honeymoon?” Costia asked.

Another point of contention with her grandmother…. There would be no honeymoon. They were to stay at the palace, and when it came time for their heat, and rut they would be allowed to spend time at Griffin House. Which would be empty because the family would be back at Arkadia for the Winter.

Well Abby would be back at Arkadia for the winter. Reese would be going to the colonies with Aden and Clarke’s grandpa and uncle. Madi would be going to Greece with Luna. Which left Charlotte. She had half a mind to send her back to the estate to live with her mother for the winter.

Clarke and her would be in their own little bubble. Already they could barely keep their hands off of one another, and Harper said it would become worse after mating. Charlotte shouldn’t be exposed to her Alpha sisters sex life. But the decision would have to be hers. She couldn’t make it for her, if she wanted her to stay. That would only sour their relationship.

“No honeymoon. Grandmother plans to send us on tour next season.”

Costia laughed. “Likely has plans to bring back Josephine to try and find her a match before her father does. At least you won’t be there to see it.”

“I wish I wasn’t here to see it now. She cut my hair last week,” Lexa grumbled and showed her a piece that had been lopped off.

Harper rested a hand on her own. “Do you wish to play a trick on her?” Harper asked.

“Yes,” Costia answered for her.

“This will only work once… But… What you need to do is cut a hole in Josephines mattress and fill it with shit. Then put the sheets back on.” Harper explained.

“I don’t get it,” Costia frowned.

The Omega laughed. “She will smell of shit… She will look all throughout her room, likely treat the staff badly, and when she sits on the bed it will only add to her scent. By the time she finds it she will smell so badly… But I suggest doing it when she can’t move rooms.” Harper explained.

Lexa bit her lip. Loretta, her housekeeper hated Josephine, and she could likely convince her to help her mate the bed after, if she promised to take the fall. Which she would. Her grandmother would suspect her and before any staff could take the fall she would take it.

“What a smart trick,” Lexa praised and then got to hear how Harper and another Omega played it on a Beta woman who was super mean to them.

Eventually Aurora kicked them out of the shop and they went to the shop next door and helped themselves to some cake. Even though her grandmother would have their staff make the cake, she still wanted to have something made up for her and Clarke to enjoy from the Alphas shop.

Cake was brought out for them to sample, and she thanked the shop owner who worked with her mate. He was kind, and made sure that they had a slice of his new cake, and extra icing that he was mixing in the back for the next day.

Clarke loved buttercream icing. It was her mate's favourite. She also loved chocolate cake, so she settled on chocolate cake with buttercream icing, to have. There could never be too much cake at a wedding.

When they arrived at the Palace Costia slept over in her bed like they used to. Her mate didn’t visit her that night. She was grateful to spend the time gossiping with her friend about everything that Harper told her.

It was new to them. Palace and nobility life wasn’t one for educating women, or talking about sex. It was supposed to be saved for marriage. Not like their biology made it easy for them to do so.

“So you want to have the Alpha’s child?” Costia asked.

Yes… Of course she wanted to have Clarke’s children. The Alpha would likely become unbearably over protective of her whilst with child. Then that overprotectiveness would extend to the pups. Lexa couldn’t wait to see her mate holding a pup. Clarke deserved all the happiness she could give her.

And secondly the realm deserved stability. Without an heir Josephine had a chance of becoming the future ruler. If she and Clarke had a pup, and then another the line of succession would hopefully be secure.

“I want to have all of her children. As many as Clarke can give me.”

“Lexa,” Costia said, shocked. Of course they had talked about having children before, but she had just given a drastically different answer from what she had first told her friend.

“What?” Lexa asked.

Costia huffed, but she didn’t look upset. “I get to be godmother,” her friend said and then tackled her into the bed and tickled her stomach. “Promise me,” her friend teased and Lexa fought back a bit.

“I promise,” Lexa gave in, eventually smiling and collapsing on the bed with her friend.

“And maybe name one after me?” Costia asked.

“Oh how could I not. You would spoil her rotten. But it would be just your luck to have an Alpha as your namesake.” Lexa teased.

“As long as I don’t have to have one for a mate.” Costia said firmly and adjusted herself on the bed.

“I won’t make you marry anyone you don’t wish to,” Lexa promised. “And neither will Clarke. You can have a home with us wherever we go.”

Costia gave her a sad smile. “You are my home Lexa. At least for so long you were. Even coming back here to your room and laying on your bed. I feel like I am home. But I don’t have a place in your home anymore. At least not yet. Get settled with your Alpha, and I will go see the colonies. Hopefully when I get back we will have many stories to tell, and I will get to hold your pup, or pups,” Costia added.

Lexa felt guilty. They had planned their lives together. For years, they had planned and agreed on a plan. They had named their children that she would inevitably have to birth. But it was a life that they had hoped to have together. Now she was about to live it with someone else, and she understood her friend's desire to get away.

“You will stay for the wedding won’t you?”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Costia brushed her hair gently and gave her cheek a kiss goodnight.

Lexa wrapped her arms around her friend like she used to. “I’ll write to you my friend. I will miss you, and I promise to name one of my many pups after you. Tea will be waiting for you when you get back to these shores.”

“Or perhaps I shall bring something stronger.”

“Please do,” Lexa laughed and snuggled into her friend for one last night.

The following morning a new Whistledown was delivered to them as they broke their fast. One for her grandmother, one for herself and Clarke who had shown up to dine with them. As well as a copy for Costia, and all the other princesses and guests of the Palace.

📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜

Dearest reader,

The Greek ruler is more lively than her daughter. Staff upon staff have gossipped and that may have been her first mistake. No one knows more about everyone's business than the staff that wash your linens.

An orgy of greek proportions was held in our palace. It is told that the Queen asked for a sleeping draught in her own castle. Now our Queen is known for her opinions and cool demeanour. One might think she was actually extending a courtesy to her guests, but the rumour is the plans for the royal wedding have her exhausted.

So what can we expect from such a grand wedding? Princess Alexandria has been seen on the town consulting with a dressmaker. The same dressmaker that her mate invested money into her business. Not only that but she was at the baker next door sampling cakes. Not only will the palace staff be busy and overworked, but the commoners will be as well.

The Queen has met with the Minister, and a priest. Both of them left the palace arguing, so it is no wonder the Queen wants to enjoy some rest. No dinner talk has ever been known to end well when the topic of religion is brought up, and it is said her meeting lasted a total of 4 hours.

Fiddler and Fodder… We are well past the time of King Henry the 8th. There is a clear divide between church and state as there very well should have been hundreds if not thousand of years ago. But alas someone has to perform the ceremony.

Our favourite Duke and future consort hasn’t gotten herself into any more trouble. The Alpha was seen working around Griffin house, and also around the palace. From trimming hedges, to banging out sheets, the Alpha is not above the smallest of tasks. This author and many of my readers would swoon to have an Alpha as helpful as the Duke. The princess is by far the luckiest maiden in the world.

And I wish her all the happiness in the world,

Lady Whistledown.

📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜

“Well that one wasn’t so bad,” Lexa’s mate spoke up and set the pamphlet down beside her plate of food.

Her grandmother finished reading it over, and set it down as well. “That is likely because half of the nobility are back at their estates bringing in the harvest. There is nothing to do. She is reporting on you banging our sheets. SHEETS!” her grandmother shrieked.

Lexa placed a hand on her grandmothers. It wasn’t a big deal. Her mate was just trying to help the staff. “Clarke was helping the staff.”

“The staff should be helping the staff,” her grandmother sighed before getting up and Lexa felt bad for any of the staff that got in her grandmother's way today.

“Is it just me or did she seem disappointed?” Costia asked.

Luna’s mother laughed. “That woman loves gossip more than wine. Why do you think I held one of my parties? Do you think there would be much to write about if I didn’t?” The woman said and pointed to half the column dedicated to her prowess.

Perhaps she had a point. It was a good thing though. The less the woman wrote about her or her mate that was disparaging the better. Also she hated to read about Clarke’s prowess in the bedroom, or about how other women and Omegas lusted after her. Clarke was hers, and soon she would bear her mark on her neck, like she carried her scent on her skin.

Chapter Text

Lexa looked beautiful wrapped up in white. The train was ridiculous and she was sure that her mate didn’t have a choice over the length. She hadn’t seen Lexa in over two weeks, and Clarke pumped out her scent filling the church with her potent Alpha pheromones.

When her mate was in front of her Clarke squeezed her hands and then walked her up the few steps. She hated the stupid veil over her head. She wanted to see mates beautiful face unobstructed. The green of her eyes was likely sparkling as her own blue ones, filled with unshed tears ready to fall.

Two different Faiths… One church…. Two people of the faith battling the other's religion for no good reason… It was giving her a headache, and thankfully her mate pumped out her scent.

“Hurry up,” Lexa said softly enough that only they could hear her, but with enough force that both of them were clearing their throats.

“Sorry Princess,” the Pope apologised to her, and Clarke knew he was just trying to get into their good graces. She didn’t like him as much as she had liked the guy two popes ahead of him. They changed hands so quickly she wondered why they kept choosing someone so fucking old to fill the roll.

The other man nodded. “Duke Griffin would like to say her vows,” the minister announced loudly and she was thankful there wouldn’t be anymore singing. The choir was good, but this wasn’t what she wanted. She just wanted to mate.

“Lexa… I have loved you since the moment I first laid eyes on you. My heart beats with yours, our souls are intertwined, and every battle you need to face. I will be right there by your side. Our love stretches through time, and I promise to find you in every lifetime. My soul is yours. Your soul is mine. Forever intertwined,” Clarke said the words she felt from the bottom of her heart, and noticed tears falling down her mate's face.

“Princess Alexandria. You may say your vows,” the Pope said.

“Since you have come into my life, you have changed all my plans. Every thought I had of the future, I never thought I would be with you… Until there you were. Your scent teasing my senses, and a desire grew within me and I didn’t need to change. You accepted me for who I am before I accepted you. You are my rock, and I promise you that I will never ask you to do something that would break your honour or make you question your love for me. We both deserve happiness Clarke… And I am glad I get to experience a future with you. Plans may change, but my heart never will. I am yours.”

Clarke wanted to kiss her. She wanted to kiss her so badly. She could hear her mate getting emotional and she looked at the two men expectantly. Each of them held a ring and Clarke just grabbed them decorum be damned.

“With this ring ye are wed,” the minister said as she placed it on Lexa’s finger.

Lexa nearly dropped her own ring, and Clarke caught it before making sure that it was firmly in her hand before presenting the finger she needed to place it on in front of her. “With his ring I pledge my love to you,” Lexa said and the Pope nodded.

“I now pronounce you Wife, and Alpha!” the Pope said and Clarke nearly ripped the tiara off of her head, in her haste to get rid of the veil.

She grabbed it firmly with two hands and then flipped it over her head. It took another flip that Lexa helped it with to fling it all the way up and over. It was nearly to the fucking floor. So damn unnecessary.

Her mate had been crying and Clarke kissed her, as everyone cheered for them. She pumped out her scent marking Lexa, and then pushed it out amongst the crowd. Her mate pulled back from the kiss, and Clarke gently moved her lips forward and kissed the tear trail on either side of her face before kissing her again.

Music played and Clarke held her mate's hand leading her down the aisle. She couldn’t be bothered to look at anyone other than her mate, and Lexa only had eyes for her as well. They stepped out of the church, when two of the Pope's entourage held the doors open for her, and then Ryder and Gustus were at the carriage opening the door for them, and readying to take them back to the palace, for the reception.

Loretta helped Lexa with the train before her mate stepped down the step of the carriage. It was much too long to have it drag while they danced. She was happy for her mate to take it off. She also appreciated it when Lexa took off the veil and changed it for a tiara.

The worst part about the dinner was they had to sit on opposite sides of the Queen. Clarke ate her food and sipped her wine, and her leg bounced up and down. She wanted to dance. She needed to be touching Lexa.

“A gift grandmother,” Lexa said.

“Oh very well,” her grandmother grumbled, pushing back her chair and snapping her fingers to get someone's attention.

Two men in red robes came forward, and held two purple pillows out. Each had a crowd. The Queen gave one to Lexa first, deposition it on her head, and took off her tiara. Then she stepped in front of her. “Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Do try to stay for a polite period of time,” Becca said before playing the crown on her head.

Lexa’s was larger than hers, but she wouldn’t want it any other way. The Queen was making a statement by crowing her as well. It seemed that it was Lexa’s idea, as she called her grandmother to let the people come forward.

They stayed as long as they could. Only after dancing a few songs did they stop and rehydrate, and then said thank you to anyone who approached them. Dancing was amazing, but there were too many people and too many smells.

Eventually she decided she didn’t wish to stay any longer and that it was polite enough. If anyone complained they could come directly to her, and she would hold her sword threateningly as they told her so.

Lexa’s bed was already pulled down when they arrived. The fire was roaring and Clarke took off her jacket before slipping out of her shoes and placing Lexa down on the bed to take off her own.

Her mates dress had so many ties. She slowly undid each and every knot that held it together. As she did so she kissed across the expanse of Lexa’s shoulders, and touched her bare skin. Her mate moaned, and pumped out her scent, and Clarke grew hard in her pants. Eventually she slipped the dress off of her, and her mouth watered at the sight before her.

Clarke couldn’t wait to have her. She expected her work would be easy once the complicated dress had come off, but it appeared to have just begun.

Lexa stood in front of her wearing a tight corset attached to her stockings with nothing on underneath. Her hair was removed, and Clarke wanted to drop her jaw. Her mate had just stolen her breath away.

“Please Clarke,” Lexa begged and approached her tugging at her trousers.

Yes… Fuck. They were finally going to.

She took off her braces, and unbuttoned her pants before pulling them down. Her cock kept her shirt raised, and she quickly unbuttoned it as Lexa wrapped a hand around her length. She was so excited to be inside of her mate, she was ready to spill.

“On the bed,” Clarke ordered and pushed Lexa further up the bed. There was no way she could take off the laces of Lexa’s corset. She needed her too badly. Wanted her more than air.

Her future mate shuffled down the bed and Clarke climbed up it, running a hand down her stocking and over to her pussy. “I need you,” Lexa begged and pumped out her scent.

Clarke groaned. She needed her as well, but she also needed to prepare her. It was going to hurt, and she wanted to lessen it. She needed her mate’s body to allow her in fully. It needed to be enjoyable for the two of them.

She ran her tongue through Lexa’s folds and her mate grabbed onto her hair. Lexa was comfortable with her now. She would hold her head in place and ride her tongue. It was so hot to watch her break. To see her come undone by her tongue alone.

“Alpha,” Lexa whined and grabbed her fingers, and pushed them towards her core.

Lexa was turning needy and she loved it. She teased her with her fingers as she flicked her tongue over her clit. Her mate clutched at her shoulder and pushed her cunt against her fingers trying to trap them inside of her.

Tight. Her Omega had somehow gotten tighter while staying away from the palace for 2 whole weeks before the wedding. “Lex,” Clarke groaned and realised she would have a lot of work to do in order to prepare her for her length.

The way her mate moaned and bucked she knew she was close. She arched her fingers, and added a third. “Ohhh,” Lexa gasped as Clarke pressed deeper inside of her. Pushing all 3 digits as deep as they can go, before swirling them around as she worked on stretching out her cunt.

“So tight baby,” Clarke moaned into her cunt as she now fucked Lexa back up to her orgasm.

In and out, she pushed her fingers as her mate rocked her hips, taking more of them, and making her tongue slide all over her clit. Clarke held her hip with one hand but it was no use. Lexa had started to chase down her pleasure.

“Yes, Clarke!! Ohhh Ohhh, OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Lexa screamed so loud she was sure that the people who had stayed to enjoy the party had heard it over the music.

Clarke climbed up her mate's body and kissed her. Lexa had one hand on the side of her face and another on her hip. They kissed lazily as the Omega became ready for what was to come.

“Are you ready?” Clarke asked her mate who just nodded.

She positioned herself over her mate, and brushed her cock against her entrance a few times gathering up as much of her slick as possible. She used her hand to help coat her length, before setting the tip of her cock at Lexa’s entrance.

“Clarke,” Lexa called her to look at her, and Clarke snapped her blue eyes up to meet green. “I love you.”

“And I love you,” Clarke kissed her and felt her tongue push into her entrance, and she couldn’t hold back. She pushed the tip of her cock inside of her wife, and stopped when she felt some resistance.

“Big. So big,” Lexa moaned and scratched and her back digging in her nails until her walls opened up a bit, and Clarke felt like she was ready for the next part.

Clarke looked at her mate. “Look at me,” she ordered, and rested a hand against Lexa’s face as she thrust inside of her, breaking her in.

“Owww,” Lexa hissed in pain and Clarke didn’t move. She couldn’t pull out as it would hurt more.

“I’m sorry love. It had to happen,” Clarke said, brushing her hair with her hand and forcing her mate to look at her. She leaned back just a bit so that she could touch Lexa’s clit with her fingers. “But I promise it won’t hurt like that again.”

Slowly she played with Lexa. She could hold her position for a good hour if she had to. Her erection wouldn’t go down. Not when Lexa’s walls were squeezing her so tightly. Clarke circled her clit, and held Lexa’s gaze.

Her Omega leaned up to kiss her, and slowly Clarke felt her start to move. She let Lexa set the pace, as she played with her clit. She held back, and pushed out her scent blanketing her Omega with comforting Alpha pheromones.

“Ohhh Alpha,” Lexa moaned and moved her hips as she pulled Clarke deeper inside of her.

Clarke kissed her one last time and then repositioned herself. She grabbed her mate's hip with one hand and then started to rock into her. She snapped her hips and then ground them into Lexa. When she was sure she was brushing her clit with each grind she removed her fingers from her clit and pulled her in for a kiss.

“I love you Lexa,” Clarke moaned as she felt her own impending orgasm.

“Clarke,” Lexa moaned. “You're so big. So deep inside of me,” Lexa spoke her words breathlessly with no idea how much they were affecting her.

“Omega. Fuck. I can’t hold back,” Clarke moaned.

“Harder Clarke. Fuck me Harder. I am so close. Please Alpha. Please only you can make me cum,” Lexa moaned and Clarke snapped out of the pleasure she was feeling in order to focus her efforts on her mates.

She brought her hand back to play with her clit as she put more effort into each thrust. Her mate was moaning, crying out with each swipe of her fingers brushing against her bundle of nerves. The fingers on her back squeezed and released, and then Lexa broke around her cock.

“ALPHA!!!!” Lexa cried, and Clarke thrust 3 times harder than before and was spilling inside of Lexa cumming with her.

“Yes. Oh Lex. Fuck. Feels so good,” Clarke moaned and didn’t expect it to possibly feel better.

“Mine,” Lexa growled and bit her neck claiming her.

Euphoria shot through her, and a newfound drive. She was cumming again and Clarke was driving her hips into Lexa faster, and stronger. Clarke was giving the Omega everything she had. Every last drop of cum, and all of her remaining energy.

She lifted her mate up from under her ass, and pulled her closer before leaning down and capturing her lips. “Clarke. Oh god,” Lexa moaned and Clarke felt her walls contract around her.

Clarke growled and grunted, and when she felt Lexa cum around her she couldn’t stop her teeth from sinking into her. “My Omega,” Clarke groaned before claiming Lexa as her own and sealing their bond for the rest of their lives.

Lexa had come around her cock repeatedly, and she felt her knot being pulled from her a month before their scheduled heat, and rut. She wanted to stick it inside of her, she wanted nothing more than to do that, but Lexa couldn’t sleep in that death trap. Clarke needed to get it off of her before it suffocated her in her sleep.

Pulling out was painful when all she wanted to do was push back inside of her. “Clarke,” Lexa whined and Clarke leaned down to kiss her, her cock slapping against her mates belly, and Lexa grabbed it and tried to guide it back inside of her.

“Knot baby. I’m going to knot you.” Clarke told her Omega.

Her mate looked between their bodies, and grasped a hand around her knot and tugged on it. Some precum leaked from the tip and her mate sat up and then leaned down to suck her cock into her mouth.

“Ohhhh my god,” Clarke moaned as Lexa gripped her knot with one hand slowly applying more pressure as she sucked the head of her cock and flicked her tongue along the underside of it.

Lips wrapped around her length sinking down to the base of her knot and she pulled Lexa’s braided hair out of her way so that she could watch her mate. If Lexa wanted to give her a blowjob she would never tell her to stop.

Omega pheromones wafted through the air, and as much as her rut had started, their mating seemed to have triggered their cycles. Lexa was going into heat as sure as Clarke was entering her rut.

“I need to get you out of that outfit baby. It looks so good on you though,” Clarke moaned, as Lexa hummed in agreement around her cock.

Lexa let go of her cock with a plop, and Clarke quickly scrambled to get behind her to undo the laces. She was completely naked in front of her mate. All her scars, and her finished ink that covered the one scar that brought her mate to her, were on display. She was laid bare before her, and she wanted to see Lexa as she was.

Her hands quickly found the tie to her corset, and Lexa moaned in relief at being able to breathe a bit better. Clarke pulled at the lace, keeping her fingers by the loops to pull the string keeping her mate bound.

“Almost there,” Clarke promised and then unclipped the suspenders binding the 3 pieces of clothing together. She didn’t want to ruin Lexa’s stockings, or her corset.

“Please Clarke. Hurry. I want your knot.” Lexa pumped out her scent, and filled the room with needy Omega pheromones. Her scent pushed out and enveloped her, and Clarke noticed that it was different than before. Not only was it sweeter, but she smelt a bit of herself in the air. Lexa was well and truly hers now. More so than before when their scents were intermingling.

The corset fell and she helped Lexa step out of it not wanting her mate to trip. She pushed the Omega back down on the bed, and kissed down her one leg as she pulled off her right stocking. She did the same to the other leg, as Lexa moaned in anticipation.

Lexa shifted her legs apart and she noticed her cum leaking from her mate. She growled and climbed on top of her. “Hands and knees Omega. I am going to take you from behind.” Clarke growled and then felt the need to explain herself a bit to Lexa and changed her tone. “So that it will be easier for us to fall asleep when joined. It will hurt you less,” Clarke pushed out a comforting scent.

Her mate kissed her before crawling onto her hands and knees. The way that Lexa bent over and pulled her lips apart. It was so hot. She watched more of her cum leak from her, and her Omega brought it to her clit to massage it. Then her Omega put her cum soaked fingers into her mouth and moaned.

Clarke snapped. She couldn’t take it anymore. She stepped up behind her mate, and pushed her cock into Lexa’s cunt pushing her leaking cum back inside of her. “Oh Lex. So tight,” Clarke moaned as she held onto her. “Keep playing with your clit baby. It’s so hot. So sexy,” Clarke praised and pumped out her scent.

“Knot me Alpha. Breed me,” Lexa begged.

She was weak. She heard her mate beg, and she pulled her back against her cock rougher than before. Clarke ground her knot into Lexa’s pussy. It was tight so fucking tight and it would feel so good wrapped around her knot.

“You want my knot Omega?” Clarke asked.

“Yessss,” Lexa moaned before starting to beg. “Please Alpha. Please. I am so close. I need you to cum with me, cum inside of me,” Lexa begged.

Yes. Fuck. It felt so good. So fucking good. “Open up for me Omega. Open up your cunt, and I will knot you.”

“Breed me.”

Clarke pushed her knot in harder then before when she felt Lexa’s walls start to open up. Slowly she slipped inside of her, and then pulled Lexa into her, as she gave a final hard thrust sealing her knot inside of her.

“CLARRRKKKKKKKKK-KKKKKKKKKK” Lexa screamed and came on her knot.

Rope after rope of her own cum released from her knot. More potent than outside of her rut, and increased in volume, she pushed with each and every throb of her cock ensuring that it got deposited as deep as it would go.

She had felt tired before, but now she was awake. Her Alpha was reacting to her Omegas body, and her needs, and desires. Lexa was in the throws of a powerful heat, and Clarke was riding her hard. She was pushing her into the bed, and then pulling her back into her. She was trusting as deep as she could go and she lost track of how many times she had blown her load inside of her mate.

“M-more,” Lexa begged.

“I’ll give you more Omega,” Clarke moaned and took over for Lexa’s own fingers who were too tired to keep pleasuring her clit.

Clarke gave her right breast a squeeze, and then wrapped her arm around her to pull her up. She felt like with any other partner her knot would have popped out of her cunt, but Lexa held her in. Her mate clenched around her like she was never letting her go.

“Al-phuhhhhhhh,” Lexa moaned when she squeezed her breast gently, before flicking her thumb over her nipple.

“I love you Lexa,” Clarke moaned and raked her hand over her body, and then found her clit again.

Lexa started to pant, as she threw her head back against her. Clarke was doing all the work holding them up, but she wanted to fuck her like this. Feel her, like she was feeling her. Her Alpha was possessive, as she pumped out her scent pushing it out and claiming Lexa with her scent as she pressed a kiss to her mating mark.

“Ohhh,” Lexa sighed. Her Omegas chest started to heave, and her walls tightened up around her demanding her to release herself inside of her.

“Mine,” Clarke emphasised as she nibbled on her mark.

“B-b-breedddd, meeee,” Lexa begged, and her body finally gave into pleasure.

Clarke gently set Lexa back down on the bed as she moved behind her holding her Omega up by the hips. She rocked into her pushing her knot as deep as it would go. Until the tip of her cock lined up with Lexa’s cervix, and then she unloaded spurt after spurt into Lexa’s waiting womb giving the Omega what she had asked for. What her body was begging for.

“Mmmmmm,” Clarke felt her chest rumble as she felt waves of unending pleasure wrap around her, until they slowly tapered off.

Slowly she rolled them to her side, and began to purr. Clarke had one arm under Lexa, and the Omega reached out and grabbed it with her hand pulling it closer to her chest. She had to fight to get the blanket on top of them. Once they were both wrapped up, and she was holding Lexa in her arms she began to purr, and Lexa’s own content rumblings joined hers lulling them to sleep.

The following morning she was woken up by someone else's scent in the room. She jumped up protectively over her mate and started to growl at the intruder. “Get out!!” Clarke shouted waking her mate, as she pointed angrily to the door.

She didn’t care that two of the palace valets wheeled in a tray of food. The two idiots had ruined her scent marking of the room. They had interrupted her time with her mate. It didn’t matter that Loretta the older Omega led them into the room, they needed to leave.

Clarke growled as she got up from the bed, and pumped out her scent, and with each step she took they took a step back. Clarke pumped out her most dominant pheromones until they were scrambling for the door. She kept the door open for a good moment not caring about her own nudity, as she pushed her scent out into the hall warning everyone to not step foot into the hallway, yet alone near the door.

“Clarke,” her mate called, and Clarke slammed the door with a huff.

There was food for them. Food to feed her mate, Food to help nurture her pups. “You need to eat,” Clarke wheeled the tray towards the bed, and carried one of the plates with her.

She pushed Lexa back against the headboard, and then flopped down beside her resting the plate on her belly. She fed her mate the green grapes knowing she loved them. Most green foods her mate loved.

“You can’t growl at the staff,” Lexa chastised her. “They were just bringing us breakfast like I requested.”

“They should have knocked,” Clarke growled.

“I expected we would still be half asleep and wake up to the scent of french toast. Not my mates threatening pheromones,” Lexa rolled her eyes at her.

Clarke tore a piece of the fried bread, and then fed it to Lexa. She made sure that her mate ate at least 5 bites to her one before she got the second plate. When Lexa said she was full she made her eat 3 more bites, until she wolfed down the rest of the food at an impolite pace.

“My mate, you tried to do a sweet thing, but Alphas are territorial.” Clarke rubbed her face against her mates before pressing a kiss to her lips.

Lexa pushed her back gently. “So I am your territory?” Lexa questioned with a raised brow.

“Yes???” Clarke asked more than told, but she most certainly felt like Lexa was hers.

Her mate rolled over, and was on her hands and knees. “Then you better mark your territory again Alpha… I wouldn’t want anyone else to come in here, and not know that I belong to you,” Lexa husked and Clarke was instantly hard, and scrambled behind her mate.

It was easy to slip inside of Lexa when the Omega was producing slick, while her cum from the night before leaked from her. She pushed in all the way to the hilt, before rutting into the Omega. She had taken it easy on Lexa the night before, and now she was taking what was hers.

“Mine,” Clarke growled and squeezed her ass, as she watched her knot slowly start to grow.

The Omegas walls were pulsing around her. Lexa was pushing out her own scent begging to be bred. Her Alpha slowly started to slip her knot inside of her. She was pushing it inside of Lexa, and it was slowly catching.

“Knot me Alpha. Please.” Lexa begged and showed off her mating mark.

Oh gods. Her mate was so sexy. She was demanding to be knotted. To be bred. “Gunna breed you Omaga. You want that?” Clarke asked and then added. “Do you want my pups Lexa?”

“Yes. Fuck. Give them to me!!!” Lexa screamed.

Close… she was so close. Her knot was catching and she needed it to hold. She needed Lexa to hold. She needed to fill her knot up a little more. She was feeling so much pleasure, and it was driving her to the brink of madness.

“Yes. Yes YESSSS!!!!” Clarke screamed when the base of her knot was swallowed by Lexa’s pussy.

“ALPHAAAAAA!!!” Lexa screamed, waking everyone nearby who wasn’t yet awake.

Clarke rolled them onto their sides and placed a hand over Lexa’s belly. “My mate wants my pups,” she preened and Lexa moaned when a couple ropes of cum shot out of her length at the thought of breeding her mate.

“Yes,” Lexa bit her lip… “And we better not stop now Alpha. I don’t think I am with child yet,” Lexa teased and Clarke started to grind into her.

Faster, harder, slow, and then soft. She fucked Lexa for hours, and then days. Only stopping when they needed to eat, but now the staff knew to leave the food outside of the hall for them. She only growled menacingly when anyone walked down the hallway past their door.

Lexa’s rooms were her rooms. She wouldn’t have it any other way. She wanted to sleep in her mate's bed. She couldn’t be apart from her. She didn’t want to be apart from her. Thinking about being apart from her during the day was even unbearable but she had duties now and she would see to them.

As consort to the future Queen she had her mates safety in mind. She needed to train with the guards, choose their own staff. There was also the matter of her businesses, and her estate. Not to mention building up the streets of London, and creating new infrastructure. She not only had their future to work on, but the future of their children and their children's children, and she wouldn’t stop until she had built a sustainable future for them.

📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜

Dearest eager readers,

Today is the day I can tell you for certain that the royal wedding has occurred, and they are indeed a happy couple, as well as a handsome one. Princess and consort could barely keep their eyes off of each other during dinner, and then never separated after the first dance.

Wedding and most certainly bedded. Cries of pleasure echoed through Buckingham Palace, as the staff hurried to open up the windows in the middle of winter. No sheets need to be checked to make sure that Alpha did their duty, after this royal wedding.

Everyone Lord and Lady across the land, and even some lucky friends of the Queen and couple were in attendance at the church. Princesses and Prince’s stood in waiting on either side of the couple, but it wasn’t like they noticed.

Kings and other Queens in attendance stayed up all night drinking and trying to find the best deals amongst the other royalty and highborn nobles. But I don’t think any of the matches will be nearly as happy as our future Queens.

How much longer until we know our royal line is secure? 9 months I would wager considering the Princess went into heat sometime during the evening, and the Alphas rut would certainly come along to assist her wife.

Other nobility who have secured their lines as Lord Jordan who was in attendance with his pregnant wife who isn’t showing. Another surprise was Lady Raven and Anya arriving in time for the feast with their son, looking just as happy as the royal couple. And this author would like just a little recognition for calling them out in articles earlier about a possible escape to the country being to birth an heir.

The Princess of Monaco was seen in the company of Lord Blake and if she were English they would most certainly be engaged. Lord Blake has taken it upon himself to escort the princess back to her home country, and I wonder if she will be escorting him back to his with a special ring around her finger.

Though Winter is most certainly upon us, there is nothing that keeps us as warm as another body pressed against our own. Enjoy staying warm, and be sure to know that by spring I will know all your secrets. Enjoy your time at your estates while it lasts, for I plan to unearth some nasty stories by spring.

Until your secrets are spilled,

Lady Whistledown.

Chapter Text

Lexa knew she was fat. She couldn’t fit into any of her old dresses. Her mates shirts would no longer fit across her belly to sleep in, and the seamstress had to come and visit her every few weeks to either make new clothes or adjustments to her clothing.

For an entire summer she stayed hidden away at the Palace. Clarke wasn’t allowing her to leave, and she didn’t want to attend any of the balls anyway. She was too tired to stand, yet alone dance.

She walked the halls in bare feet and sometimes didn’t even walk at all. Her mate would carry her from place to place until she got much too large. Then she was carried around on a litter by Gustus and Ryder, and they slowly started to groan everytime they picked her up, that she decided she would just stay in her rooms for the remainder of the pregnancy.

“They seem healthy,” her mate held a hand over her belly as her pups kicked.

All she did was nod, and Clarke gently brushed her hair before braiding it back.

They had spent many fun hours in her room. Lexa had read more books in the past two months than she had in the past 2 years, and Clarke would come back smelling of smoke and she knew she was hanging out with her grandfather.

He still wasn’t well enough that he could be out in public, but small dinners were okay. Clarke just worried about her around his outburst, and her mate was right. It wasn’t like he would purposely hurt her, but he threw books at times, and rummaged through drawers with no concern about who was standing behind him. She loved him, and would see him after she gave birth. Perhaps even with her pups.

Pups… There was no way she was having just one. Clarke confirmed that after the 4th month when she started to show. It was early, really early. Especially for someone with her figure. A doctor was called upon, and he confirmed what Clarke had figured out. They were having twins.

The news was kept secret. As far as secrets could be kept. Whistledown had yet to report on it, and she had something to say every sunday.

Like clockwork a new edition of her little gossip page was delivered for her to read, and she caught up on what was happening outside of the palace. It kept her not only well informed about her people, but also her mate.

“How were the chocolatiers?” Lexa asked her mate. Clarke sighed, and then pulled out a box of sweets from her coat for her, and once she popped one in her mouth, her mate went back to focusing on her hair.

“Good. They are getting along better. Plans are in the works for their children to marry, but I am not sure if that is for the best… But we will see.” Clarke explained.

“You have more patience than I do,” Lexa said honestly, because she knew that the two men had given her mate quite the headache.

Clarke laughed, and then placed a hand over her stomach. “And soon I will have none,” her mate smiled and kissed her before helping her into bed.

Her waters broke in the middle of the night, and her mate brought her to her rooms so that the palace workers could change the bed in her room, for a dry one. Clarke’s room didn’t have the same comfort as her own which was saturated in her mates scent. This room had been practically abandoned, and made into Clarke’s art nook.

“Breathe,” Clarke ordered as she held her hand.

The Alpha pumped out her scent and wouldn’t be parted from her. Clarke checked out how far along her contractions were timing them with her fathers old pocket watch. Then she would pace the room when she wanted her away from her, or hold her hand when she wanted her near.

Alexander Franco, the next in line to the throne was born at 10:50 in the morning, and his sister Costia Franco followed along and was born at 10:57.

Lexa never knew how much she had longed to be a mother until her children were placed at her breast. Her mate hovered around the bed shifting things around for her, and the babies.

They had one day before they presented the children to her grandmother the Queen. Clarke had growled and grumbled and sent the staff walking back to her grandmother. Her mate was firm on enjoying a day with their newborns, and Lexa was too exhausted to argue.

By the following morning she got herself dressed with the help of Loretta. Her mate was dressed in her military finery, and her twins were given long white gowns to cover their bodies. Lexa held her head high as she walked into the throne room carrying her son over to the Queen for her inspection.

“May I present my son and heir Alexander Franco, and his sister born 7 minutes after him. Costia Franco,” Lexa said, holding her hand out to her mate, who carried Costia closer to her grandmother who was now holding Alexander.

The Queen was happy. The court was all abuzz, and Lexa knew that the next whistledown they received would be all about the royal twins. Likely also about her mate's virility because Whistledown was rather suggestive, and frank in her comments.

“Beautiful. Simply beautiful….” Her grandmother said before snapping her eyes up to her. “You should be resting,” her grandmother added like it was the most logical thing.

Yes… She should be, but her grandmother demanded her childrens presence, and she didn’t think she could be parted from them without having a mental breakdown. Her protective instincts as her mate called them had come out full force, and now she was the one pushing out a threatening scent.

No staff went near her rooms. Food was dropped off outside of them, and she created a nest for herself and her pups. Clarke was the one running around and changing diapers, and helping her out of the nest and into the washroom.

She never expected to be one of those Omegas, but here she was… Her pups needed her, and she was giving them her undivided attention, not wanting to miss a single second. When they were away she was awake, when they slept she slept. It was routine for a month, while Clarke attended meetings and passed on information to her.

A single month was all the time she was allowed. It was time to wear the crown and show her face, as her grandmother called it. As she sat with her and they went about their duties her thoughts lay with her children and their sire, whose job it was to now watch them.

“Kids are hungry,” Clarke said, pushing a baby buggy with her children inside of it towards her.

“Well… Find the wet nurse and feed them. We are busy,” her grandmother said.

Lexa placed a hand on her grandmothers. “It will only take a minute,” Lexa said and then opened up her dress ready to accept the first babe Clarke was ready to hand her.

“You are to become the future Queen. When I am gone you better not be breast feeding on the throne our family has sat on for generations.” Her grandmother looked near hysterics watching her feed her children, and Lexa wanted nothing more than to roll her eyes, but she kept her chin high.

She would feed her children on the throne if they were hungry, but her grandmother wouldn’t be there to scold her. The common people fed their babies and it was normal. They didn’t have wet nurses, they relied on their own bodies to nourish their young, and she wouldn’t pass over an opportunity to bond with her children.

“My mate will feed our children wherever she wishes,” Clarke pumped out her Alpha pheromones, and her grandmother huffed and walked from the office. Not many people wanted to fight Wanheda. Especially when she was seen as protecting her children or her mate.

“Thank you my love,” Lexa held onto Clarke’s arm and then swapped the children.

“No… Thank you,” Clarke smiled and kissed her on the cheek, before burping their baby and rocking Costia to sleep. “2 more months and we will host our anniversary dinner. I can’t wait to show these two off. Mother has wanted to come visit, but I told her now isn’t a good time.”

Lexa knew that was her fault. She didn’t want to even be around her own grandmother right now. “Soon. You can blame me.”

“I want to live in our bubble for as long as we can,” her mate confessed, and gave her another kiss.

Their anniversary dinner was apparently nice. They weren’t in attendance due to their heat and rut hitting at the same time as the year before. From what they were told it was nice, too much food as always, and her children were well behaved.

Since they weren’t expecting it, they were ill prepared, and were too busy rutting and coming together to think about birth control.

Jacob Griffin was born a day before his older twin siblings, and would inherit the Griffin Estate. Costia would likely be given the estate of her namesake, who had yet to return to England.

Lexa had written to her when she could. She told her about her daughter and now both of her sons. Her grandmother was still in good health, but her grandfather would soon leave this world. He no longer recognized her, or her grandmother. Even his own children he thought were someone else. Clarke had done everything she could for him, and she thought he lived more this past year, than for the 10 years prior that he was locked away in his rooms.

Like Clockwork she was pregnant again 3 months after birthing Jacob. Her breasts never seemed to get a break. She had decided to take a Wet Nurse to her grandmother's delight, but she still fed her children from her own breast whenever possible.

Clarke was everything she thought her to be. The most perfect and patient sire. She did everything with her children. While Lexa helped to rule the country, Clarke was the sire that her children needed. She gave them ample attention, reading to them and taking them for long walks, as well as disciplining them within reason when they acted out.

Her little girl had Clarke wrapped around her finger. So much so that when her friend actually arrived she wondered why she hadn’t named the child after her. Since Lexa herself was the only one other than her child to get Clarke to do everything she wanted.

Costia had found a woman like her in America. She only returned to show her England. It broke her heart that her friend wasn’t to stay with her. They only had a season together, and she made the most of it.

Her mate escorted them all to the balls they wished to go to. The Griffin Masquerade was a must every year even if pregnant. Reese had also met a match in America, and as long as her grandmother's health held up, both her and Clarke would be heading to the wedding in America at the end of the season.

Charlotte was a lot like Costia. She knew her sister in law liked the attention of female companions. Not Alphas. Never Alphas. She even liked attention from Male Omegas, but only Male Omegas. Some would think it would be easier for her to find a partner, but she knew it would just make it harder on her, and both her and Clarke kept her close to protect her.

Aden was doing well at Eton, and Madi had found her wings in Greece. That would be their next trip as a family as long as she wasn’t heavily pregnant. Luna’s mother had taken Madi in, and Clarke ever the Alpha worried that her ways would rub off on her impressionable Omega sibling.

They would see for themselves during Reese’s wedding. Normally there wasn’t such a large delay, but Abby wanted her back for the summer season, and Harper's full born brother Mason Vanderbilt was starting work at his family company.

It also gave time for many high status officials to come for the wedding. Herself as the future Queen of England. Luna and her mother as Princesses of Greece. Echo the Princess of Monaco had married Bellamy, but their children wouldn’t inherit their title.

Titles meant a great deal to the wealthy and affluent of New York. Harper had stayed in England and was married to Monty Green. He was in love with his footman named Nate. They all had an interesting relationship, but since Harper married Monty Green it was easier to call on her, and they had become really good friends over the years. They would also be attending the wedding.

Costia’s sister Niylah had married Clarke’s uncle Steven the year before. Another interesting relationship. But one built on friendship and understanding. Niylah gave birth to Steven Turco, the fourth of his name a couple months earlier, and was expecting a second. No line was secure without multiple heirs as her grandmother liked to tell her.

The season eventually ended, and she and her mate packed up their children and went down to the docks with their friends and family. All of them were boarding the steamship that would take them to America for Reese’s wedding.

Being pregnant was more enjoyable than she thought it ever would be, but being pregnant while travelling by ship with 3 small children was a nightmare, she didn’t wish to repeat anytime soon. Clarke didn’t sleep alternating between caring for her, their children and everyone else on the ship who got sick.

When they finally touched dry land, she mentally prepared for their trip back to England and their trip to Greece. They would not be bringing the children. Costia travelled well, but Jacob and Alexander were just as sick as she was.

The wedding was beautiful. She got to stay at her mate's penthouse, and Clarke gave her a proper tour of New York. Without the kids for a few evenings, and feeling much better, they engaged in activities they hadn’t had a free moment to participate in in awhile.

Clarke fucked her softly, but her cock was hard and aching. It spilled inside of her repeatedly and her mate had to carry her to the tub, so that they wouldn’t have to call in the staff.

Over the years they had developed a routine. One full of love making, and aftercare. They had made a life together full of love and happiness. Lexa had never imagined when she presented as an Omega she would be mated to an Alpha. She had found her mate, and in doing so, her heart had found a home, and she was happier and more fulfilled than she had ever imagined being.

And it was all thanks to Clarke. Her soulmate, the sire of her children, and the future Queen Consort of England. Wanheda was forgotten, and her mate looked happier and less haunted each day they spent together.

She made another vow when she married Clarke. A secret one. To have as many children of hers as possible, and to bury Wanheda. The world needed Clarke Griffin more. She needed her, and their children needed her. It was a vow she would take over and over again. A vow of love, and a desire to make her mate the happiest Alpha possible.

Lexa abdicated the throne to her son Alexander on her 50th birthday to spend the rest of her time with her mate and children at their country estate. Over the years they had welcomed 16 children, all of whom had reached adulthood, and some with children on their own. They lived a happy life, and a full one.

No one had uncovered the identity of Lady Whistledown. Her gossip column had seemingly switched hands over the years. Like a torch being passed from author to author each brought their own voice, and dished out the gossip along the Ton.

One of those authors wasn’t as lucky as the rest. Clarke slipped away in her sleep on her 92nd birthday, and Lexa held on one more day before passing as well. The duel funeral was the finest and most attended in the history of England. For their rule was a golden one, full of love, laughter, and peace.