Chapter 225
1053words
Completely exhausted from my argument with Jackson, I only took a short break in my bed.
Still feeling restless, I finally sat up and started packing up my things. I needed to go back to Wakeland already, but not only because of my annoyance toward Jackson. Mostly because I already miss Aaden and Albert so much.
Slinging the backpack on my right shoulder, I set foot on the ship’s deck and stared at the vast sea while feeling the cold breeze brushing against my skin while my hair was being blown.
I smiled, feeling at ease and healed by the peaceful atmosphere the sea brought to me. The scent of the salty sea reached my nostrils, and I saw the beautiful green lands far ahead. Everything looked so pristine, which brought an indescribable emotion to me.
I could only be thankful enough that the dress I wore today fell until half of my shin, or else I’d have a hard time managing by how hard the wind was blowing my skirt.
The sky reflected on the water, giving my surroundings a magical glint. It’s so… surreal.
“Princess,” a very familiar nonchalant voice echoed behind my back, pulling me out of my sightseeing.
Tying my hair up, I turned to face her while handing my bag to one of the omegas who approached us.
“Sapphire, anything?” I asked.
Sapphire’s my beta. She’s only 26 years old, but I could bet my life on her intelligence and combat skills. When I was in the kingdom before, I was observing everyone, and I saw great potential from her.
Despite being a woman, she’s the most agile fighter I’ve seen. Though she could be a little cold, there’s no question about her strength.
Standing upright, she perfectly bent her body from the waist at 30 degrees while keeping her back straight. I could only hide a smile, and she’s very rigid about formalities.
With a straight face, she reported, “Three days ago, someone informed me that I’d be your beta, responsible for every affair in Wakeland. It’s my first time officially meeting you, princess. Should I properly introduce myself?”
I narrowed myself and smirked, feeling the angst underneath her voice. She must be wondering why she was thrown under my wings. Well…I’m sure we’d have a great collaboration together.
Observing her from head to toe, it’s evident how she differs from the clothes. Instead of wearing comfortable clothes, she’s wearing combat attire as if she’s ready to fight anytime. Even her shoes were military rangers, and her hair was tied securely to her head.
Smiling, I replied with dominance, “You’re Sapphire Raynald, 26-year-old and the daughter of a well-respected Gamma.”
She looked up at me without much reaction in her face, but her eyes betrayed her as it showed shock.
Taking a step forward, I continued, “Yor entered the Warrior Academy with the goal of becoming the strongest intelligence office. In your second year, you became a champion in various competitions. In the third year, you hacked into the Kingdom’s system.”
She blinked her eyes in disbelief.
Taking another step, I shrugged my shoulder. “Unfortunately, you were easily discovered and punished by being locked up for two months.”
Subconsciously, she took another small step back when I moved forward again. If I wasn’t observing her so closely, one would even fail to tell that she moved or that she was having a reaction from the dominance I was exuding.
Letting out a genuine smile, I sighed and added, “Although we haven’t met, I personally selected you from tens of thousands of candidates. As you may have guessed already, Wakeland is in a complicated situation, and I needed someone of your intelligence and ability who also has a strong military force.”
Staring at her, I pointed out, “And that made you a perfect beta for me.”
Because I knew that she was a strong fighter who wouldn’t back down, she yearned for a stronger leader to serve. I mentally smiled with confidence, knowing that she’d like me too.
After blinking a couple of times, Sapphire composed herself. “I vow my loyalty to you, Princess.”
I nodded and walked past her. Loyalty… That’s something we could only guarantee after a time had passed.
“So tell me…” I continued walking, with her following me. What information have you gathered in the past three days?”
“For the past three days, I looked at every information I could gather about Wakeland and–” she started narrating the basics, and I must say, I was right about her.
Another reason I chose her was because even though she’s young, she had more passion for her work more than anyone else. She might look indifferent, but she’s actually a doer. Testing that evaluation, I had on her, and I intentionally had her notified about her new position only three days ago to see what she could achieve in such a time frame.
Nodding, I cut her off, saying, “Now, let me see what your limit is?” pertaining that she should start saying things I don’t know about.
Stunned, she stood in front of me for a while, seemingly scrutinizing me before her face became filled with admiration.
I didn’t call out her action, which others might say was seemingly touched with arrogance, because, after all, our collaboration as Alpha and Beta wasn’t child’s play. We both need to know and trust each other well.
We needed to be sure that we both had the same values and principles and only then would we manage to work perfectly together.
Extending her arm toward the cabin entrance, she invited, “Please, Princess, let me show you.”
“You lead,” I ordered.
This was the first time I had sailed on this ship, so it was only right that she walk first. After giving a respectful bow, she walked in front of me, but she made sure to be only two feet away from me and a bit on the side.
I appreciate the gesture because her body was subconsciously saying that she respected me as her superior, and it’s just not because of a mere order to her but because of her own choice.
She opened a door for me, “Please, I’d like to show you something.”
Entering, my face dropped in shock at what I saw.
