CHAPTER 2: The Offering!
1495 Words
With a swift motion, she punched the punching bag that hung before her, then seized it to halt its momentum.
A harsh breath escaped her lips as her mind raced, dwelling on the events that had transpired earlier at the kingdom's coronation.
"Damn it," she muttered, her voice laden with frustration. She replayed the events in her mind, Ysha thoughts also dwelling on her twin fate. She grappled with uncertainty, pondering the consequences that lay ahead.
Undeterred, she continued her relentless assault, seeking solace in the physical exertion.
For several minutes, she relentlessly punched, her body drenched in sweat.
As her father's voice reached her from behind, she ceased her exercise and reached for the white towel that lay on the nearby table.
Ysha wiped the sweat from her face, which had streamed down her body. She exhaled deeply.
Her father observed as she moved closer to him.
"Masa' al khayr, baba," she greeted respectfully. "Good evening, father."
Her father nodded.
"Avoid overexertion. Behave like a true omega. You don’t need to develop your physical strength since an alpha will protect you once you find one."
"I understand, father." She uttered no other words.
Despite her efforts to exercise, her body remained unchanged. However, being an omega did not preclude her from having a strong body.
Though her frame was petite, she was capable of defending herself. She had trained diligently to prove her worth and prevent others from underestimating her.
In terms of athleticism and physical strength, she excelled, even if her body shape remained the same.
"Where's your sister? It's getting late, and it's dangerous for her to be out after dark," her father asked suspiciously.
Ysha reluctantly looked her father in the eye.
"She told me she was going out with her friends. I thought she was home because she said she was heading back when I called," Ysha lied, unused to deception. She knew hiding the truth from her father was wrong, but revealing her twin's pregnancy would endanger her.
"Tomorrow is the king's offering. I will take Shantal with me."
Ysha took the water her father offered, hiding her blurred vision and the guilt that kept her from meeting her father's gaze.
"I've already told her about it, Father.”
"Very well. I shall depart now, as I must return to the palace. However, I will return tomorrow to take your sister. Inform Shantal of my arrival in advance."
"You may rely on it, Father. She will be ready. But I must bid you farewell, Father. I cannot remain by your side any longer. I will join other Omegas in training to improve my combat skills."
Her father looked at her silently before nodding.
"As you embark on your journey, protect yourself. Do not let an unworthy Alpha mark you. Remember, though you are an Omega, you are also a Minister's daughter."
Despite her earlier claim, Ysha sensed her father's disapproval of her decision. Yet, she knew that he would not hinder her.
"Thank you Father, you can count on me not to neglect myself." Then he followed by bowing to it.
"Can I still catch you up tomorrow?"
"I don't think so, Father. That's why I'm saying goodbye now because we're leaving at dawn." Her Father just nodded before saying goodbye.
From the distant image of their Father, she still held his breath. She thought about it. There is only one way to save the family from shame. To take on the responsibility that his twin would have done.
He wanted to continue his training but she lost her interest. She took the clothes and went to her own room. Relaxed before taking a shower.
She was about to leave her room after taking a shower when she saw Shantal coming in.
Shantal just returned to wherever it really came from. Shantal stared that made her look bad.
"Don't glare at me like that, Shantal." She regarded her twins with irritation before exiting the room. "Father returned earlier and searched for you. He instructed me to inform you that he will come tomorrow to take you to the palace." Ysha reminded Shantal to prepare, knowing she would face judgment from others.
She sighed heavily. Ysha missed the Shantal who was always kind when she was around.
"You know that I disagree, Ysha," Shantal shouted.
"Yes, I am aware," Ysha replied calmly. "That's why I'm informing you now. I bid farewell to Father, I’m leaving tomorrow. How about you? Have you informed your lover about your pregnancy? You'll be leaving tomorrow, while I accompany Father to the palace."
Despite being stunned, Shantal couldn't conceal the radiant expression on her face as she looked at Ysha.
A smile spread across her lips as she embraced her, her face buried in Ysha's neck, tears flowing down.
Although sharing similar height and figure, Ysha's relentless training had fortified her, while Shantal remained a gentle omega who preferred to stay home.
Despite Ysha's lean physique, her resilience in battle was formidable.
"Thank you, Ysha," Shantal whispered in gratitude. "I couldn't have endured without you by my side."
"As your twin, I share your pain," Ysha replied. "And I knew the King would harm you once he learned about your pregnancy."
"Ysha-."
"I can bear the king's punishment. So, you must make preparations. Pack whatever you need to take with you. Leave as soon as possible.”
Shantal nodded rapidly, a smile etched on her face despite the tears streaming down her cheeks.
Ysha's hand gently brushed away a tear from Shantal's face.
"Go now, but leave some clothes for me to wear." Shantal obeyed and retreated to her room.
Ysha watched Shantal go, relieved. The king would not see her face if they met tomorrow.
Their custom forbade them from seeing their future brides' faces until after the wedding.
Ysha will be at ease during the wedding preparations, as her twins will be safe with her beloved and her child.
However, a thought crossed his mind: how would the king react on their wedding night, for surely he would then uncover his deception?
......
"Are you ready?" their father asked her, mistaking her for Shantal.
"Yes, Father!" she replied, her voice mimicking Shantal's high pitch.
Ysha covered in a black abaya and niqab, only her eyes were visible. Her father would likely not notice the difference since she had the same eyes as Shantal, though her eyelashes were slightly longer than her twin.
"Jayid, madha ean 'akhik?" he asked, asking about her sister. “Where is your sister?"
"Aiwa, baba! Ysha has already left," she responded.
"Yalla, bsra," he urged. "Let us go faster."
Without uttering another word, she followed her father.
The King's palace was nearby, and they arrived swiftly.
Just like yesterday, many Epsilons and royal guards awaited their arrival as they entered the King's palace.
They proceeded directly to the Imperial Hall, the venue for the dedication ceremony.
They had joined other ministers who would also present offerings to the King. Each minister carried distinct offerings; due to his high rank, their father was tasked with presenting offerings for the King's future wife and dedicating the eldest omega daughter.
Tradition dictated that the eldest omega be offered, regardless of the King's preference for a female or male omega.
However, the King's disinterest in male omegas made the choice clear.
As the oldest omega, Shantal was selected to make the offering, but her twin's negligence had prevented her from fulfilling this duty.
They patiently awaited the arrival of the King, who eventually entered the hall. The ministers and attendees rose to pay tribute to him.
"Long live, Your Majesty." As was customary, the King was greeted with simultaneous kneeling and bowing.
The offering commenced after the tribute, beginning with the lowest Minister and culminating in her father.
Ysha's nervousness reemerged as they approached her father's presence.
Once more, she felt it when he encountered the King’s gaze, fixed upon her as if piercing her soul.
Unable to meet his eyes, she bowed, mirroring her gesture from the previous day.
"Long live Your Majesty," her father greeted the King, then sank to his knees and bowed.
Frozen in place, Ysha struggled to comprehend her actions. Suddenly, she noticed her father discreetly tugging at the hem of her Abaya, prompting her to kneel and bow.
A warmth washed over her, its source confounding her. She wondered if it solely stemmed from her attire.
Confused and nervous, she swallowed. The heat radiating from her body was unsettling. She had never felt such a sudden surge.
"Damn it!" she cursed under her breath.
She remained unseen, her hand and mouth hidden. Ysha's movements were subtle and unnoticed. She had remembered her medication and discreetly took it beneath her clothes.
Then she noticed the King approaching her father. She stood up involuntarily, her eyes fixed on the King.
The King's gaze met her, and she swallowed nervously.
Had the King sensed her heat?
No, that was impossible!
- Writer
