Chapter 3: The First Meeting

The massive doors of the Imperial Throne Hall slowly opened.

A wave of silence swept across the room as Crown Princess Aurelia stepped inside.

Dressed in a white-and-gold royal uniform embroidered with the imperial crest, she carried herself with quiet confidence. Her silver crown rested neatly atop her long hair, while her calm violet eyes met those gathered in the hall without hesitation.

The five noble men instinctively turned toward her.

For a brief moment, no one spoke.

Emperor Aldric broke the silence.

"Aurelia, come forward."

She walked across the polished marble floor and stopped beside the Golden Dragon Throne before bowing respectfully.

"You summoned me, Father?"

"I did."

The Emperor's sharp gaze shifted toward the five noble men standing before him.

"Today marks the first meeting between my daughter and the men who will become her husbands."

None of them looked pleased.

Duke Lucien remained expressionless.

Marquis Cassian crossed his arms, clearly dissatisfied.

Count Elias observed Aurelia with thoughtful eyes.

Prince Rowan quietly lowered his gaze.

Only Sir Adrian looked at her with unwavering respect.

The Emperor continued.

"I expect each of you to introduce yourselves."

Duke Lucien stepped forward first.

"I am Duke Lucien Ashford, Commander of the Western Army and a Dominant Alpha. I shall fulfill my duty to the Crown."

His tone was respectful but distant.

Aurelia nodded.

"Thank you, Duke Lucien."

Next came Marquis Cassian.

"I am Marquis Cassian Veritas, an Elite Alpha."

He looked directly into Aurelia's eyes.

"I hope Your Highness understands that respect is earned, not inherited."

The hall became silent.

Several ministers secretly smiled.

They had expected someone to challenge the Crown Princess.

Aurelia's expression did not change.

"I agree."

Cassian frowned.

She continued calmly.

"Respect cannot be demanded. It is earned through one's actions."

Her answer surprised everyone, including the Emperor.

Count Elias stepped forward.

"I am Count Elias Sterling, a Royal Beta. I look forward to serving the empire."

His words were polite, though his face revealed little emotion.

Then Prince Rowan approached.

His elegant silver-blue robes reflected the light as he bowed gracefully.

"I am Rowan of the Kingdom of Elaris."

"My title is Rare Omega."

"I accepted this marriage to strengthen the peace between our kingdoms."

He paused before adding softly,

"I hope our alliance brings prosperity to both nations."

Aurelia smiled politely.

"I share that hope, Prince Rowan."

For the first time, Rowan looked directly into her eyes.

He had expected an arrogant princess.

Instead, he found someone calm and composed.

Finally, Sir Adrian stepped forward.

Removing his sword, he knelt on one knee before Aurelia.

"I, Sir Adrian Valen, Captain of the Royal Knights and an Elite Alpha, swear once again that my sword shall protect Your Highness for as long as I live."

His oath echoed through the throne room.

Aurelia gently gestured for him to rise.

"Thank you, Sir Adrian."

Emperor Aldric stood from his throne.

"From this day onward, the six of you will begin preparing for the royal marriages."

"You will attend council meetings together, train together, and represent the empire together."

Marquis Cassian frowned.

"Together?"

"Yes," the Emperor answered firmly.

"If you cannot stand beside the future Queen now, you will never be worthy of standing beside her throne."

Just then, the doors of the throne room burst open.

A palace guard rushed inside and dropped to one knee.