.
Liu Wei felt her legs weaken, and she really had to make a strong effort not to collapse. She sighed wearily.
Qui Mei watched her cousin from a distance, unable to hide her worry. The estrus of a high-level omega was incredibly intense, but she had never seen Liu Wei so weakened before.
Anna wouldn't leave Liu Wei's side for anything; the young princess was in no condition to be alone in such a pheromone-filled environment.
The theater was large and beautiful, simply majestic.
The private boxes were elevated, and instead of simple seats, they had tables that could easily accommodate six people.
Liu Wei was already in her stateroom. Each participant had their own space and could invite guests.
The young princess didn't have many options for guests, so only Anna and Qui Mei accompanied her during the show.
The queen's area was right in the center and could hold about twenty people, but beside Wang Zheng sat only Huan Yang. She was completely alone at a huge, empty table.
Liu Wei briefly stared at the queen's throne; it looked incredibly lonely.
Wang Zheng was arguably the loneliest queen in a dynasty as long as the Wang family's.
The queen had no brothers, cousins, uncles, or grandparents.
She was utterly alone atop a throne of gold and diamonds.
Throughout the vast theater, the remaining boxes and all other seats were filled by elders, nobles, clergy, and parliament members.
People chatted happily, and laughter echoed freely.
Wang Zheng watched the bustling activity around the stage; a huge structure was being assembled, and instruments were gradually being positioned.
The first stage of Bloody Spring was designed to create a romantic setting between the king and the candidate. After all, sharing a lifetime with someone should be at least a little romantic.
The second stage was meant for participants to showcase their talents and impress the king.
Alpha Chen Fu would be the first to demonstrate his abilities, which, judging by what Wang Zheng saw, would probably involve music.
Wang Zheng noticed some elders speaking with Chen Fu, a truly annoying sight.
The queen was fully aware that many elders supported the "fishy" candidate as the future king, but she did not trust Chen Fu or the elders. Since her father's death, she had learned not to trust the old nobles.
She clearly remembered the moment she received the news of her father's death and was ordered to travel to the battlefield.
The Wang kingdom had a centuries-old conflict with Fen-sz's country.
Wang Zheng briefly turned her gaze toward her secretary and motioned for him to approach. As she was seated and he standing, he bent down. "Huan Yang…"
Huan Yang bent down quickly so she could speak comfortably.
"Find out about Chen Fu's relationship with the elders."
The queen whispered, aware that palace walls were not always safe.
"Understood."
The war's causes ranged from failed trade deals to invasions and territorial disputes.
After the rival army withdrew, Wang Zheng no longer faced military problems, but a peace agreement was never officially established. Thus, tension always lingered over her realm.
The queen took advantage of the quiet and tedious atmosphere to review some documents, remaining focused for several minutes until a light tap on her shoulder broke her concentration.
"Your Majesty…"
Wang Zheng was surprised to see Chen Fu standing before her. He glanced around briefly, and his secretary was nowhere in sight.
She massaged her temples in frustration, she'd have to reprimand Huan Yang later. It was unacceptable for the queen to be completely alone in such settings.
She forced a gentle smile at the alpha and received one in return. "Chen Fu."
The man before her wore traditional clothing from his country, looking ready to be the center of a grand spectacle.
Chen Fu subtly took the queen's hand and kissed it lightly.
"I hope Your Majesty enjoys the little show prepared especially for you."
She smiled.
After all, she knew it was all for her. What made her truly happy, though, was that the "fishy" scent was much softer and less unpleasant than usual.
The queen knew Chen Fu wouldn't be wearing barrier protectors. It was hard for adult alphas to cover their glands, a habit more common among undifferentiated, omegas, and betas.
"I'm flattered. Do your best."
"Thank you."
Chen Fu caught the faint scent of pineapple, but now there was a distinctly fresh note. He had a keen sense of pheromones, and the queen's was different than usual. If he hadn't already known it was impossible for her to be marked, he might have guessed she had a pheromone linked to hers.
He calmly observed the queen's view of the stage and smiled with satisfaction; the setup was exactly as he'd envisioned.
Wang Zheng didn't feel cornered but was very uncomfortable being alone with an alpha.
The alphas' sense of superiority irritated her more than their dominance instinct. After all, if anyone dared to mark her, she'd tear their glands out without mercy. But as queen, she hated having to compete with an alpha over who had more reason or power. Wasn't it obvious? She was in charge of everything and everyone, of course she was more powerful.
Huan Yang appeared again, and the queen silently watched his approach. She wanted to be completely alone so they could talk privately.
But for some reason, Chen Fu seemed like a decoy for unpleasant people, and Hui Xu soon appeared with his wife.
The ever-smiling elderly couple stared at them anxiously, clearly hoping the queen would choose Chen Fu.
Huan Yang approached the queen briefly and whispered in her ear.
Everyone around the queen found it strange that she didn't openly discuss what had happened, and they waited anxiously for her to speak.
Wang Zheng felt her heart stop and her hands tremble.
"Has Liu Wei passed out?"
The queen suddenly rose from her throne, her first instinct to flee, but a hand gripped her tightly.
Hui Xu's wife held her wrist firmly.
"Your Majesty doesn't intend to miss our dear Chen Fu's performance, right?!"