The Sweet Alpha Crown Prince Loves Me So Much

“Sleep well.”

“You too. Sweet dreams.” They exchanged goodbyes while holding hands tightly at the door.

Theresa and Glenn had already left earlier, as they couldn’t stay out late, but Adrian lingered behind. Seeing Carl yawn widely, Adrian ordered the Hendrick brothers to enjoy themselves for a bit before calling it a night. Despite having guards and attendants trailing them, he insisted on walking Carl to his room because there hadn’t been enough time alone together.

“Should I come in and sleep with you?” Adrian boldly asked, his voice husky.

Startled by this suggestion, Carl hastily waved him off. “N-No!”

“Why not?”

“I-I’m too embarrassed.”

Adrian didn’t understand why Carl felt that way.

“We’re already engaged and have spent our heat cycle together, so what’s embarrassing about sleeping in the same room?” Adrian pouted openly, which Carl found cute, but he couldn’t give in just yet.

Although they had progressed significantly in their relationship, they were still officially betrothed, not married. With his parents under the same roof, Carl felt uncomfortable flaunting their intimacy.

Previously, such concerns hadn’t bothered him because Glenn and Theresa were merely characters from a novel with titles like “Emperor” and “Empress.” But now, having spent time getting to know them as individuals, it felt distinctly different. Explaining this complex emotional shift was challenging for Carl Lindbergh, so instead, he opted to kiss Adrian’s slightly pouting lips.

Since public displays of affection were rare in this society, Adrian quickly softened at the gesture.

“We’ll have plenty of time to be ‘inappropriately intimate’ once we’re married… but for now, absence makes the heart grow fonder, as they say. Don’t worry, I’ll come to you soon.”

His hushed whispers, the way his lips brushed against Adrian’s ear—it was almost unfair. 

Adrian, though still visibly disappointed, conceded. “Alright.”

He watched Carl disappear behind the door, his gaze lingering on the spot where Carl had stood moments before. 

Adrian knew Carl wasn’t one for empty promises, so maybe… Anticipation was a dangerous thing.  

He started mentally calculating the days until his next rut. Their first experience would be challenging enough without losing control during his rut cycle. Thus, Adrian decided they should at least have two or three encounters while they were both of sound mind before he would even consider sharing a rut with Carl.

For now, they both had much to accomplish separately, but afterward, Adrian could take it easy and spend mornings nibbling on Carl’s adorable cheeks while soothing his tiredness from the night before. And once their wedding date was set, he’d finally be able to bond himself with Carl. A bond so profound, so absolute, it would literally bind them for life.

Adrian shook his head, a slow smile spreading across his face. 

Death wouldn’t be enough to separate them, not if he had his way.

He was happy. Truly happy. For the first time in what felt like forever.

The weight of the word fiancé felt good.  And Carl, despite his gentle nature, was a man of principle. Bound by his own sense of responsibility, Adrian knew he’d never break off the engagement. Moreover, Carl had explicitly mentioned ‘dating.’ A mutual attraction, a blossoming love… That meant two people drawn together who genuinely liked each other—a relationship that Adrian could nurture over time, eventually leading to deep love.

While Adrian’s feelings for Carl didn’t quite reach love yet, fortunately, Carl did reciprocate his affection. With time and effort, their bond would deepen until they fell deeply in love with each other. 

A life with Carl Lindbergh… now that was something worth looking forward to.

Adrian practically skipped down the hallway, his joy so infectious that even the stoic palace guards couldn’t suppress their smiles. 

Ah, that was long.

Two days had flown by so quickly that Carl couldn’t believe how much time had passed. As he sprawled on his bed, his dog crawled onto his chest.

“

!”

“I’m sorry, Elizabeth. You must’ve been bored without me.”

“

!

!”

Normally, Elizabeth barked softly indoors, but she was clearly upset today. Understandably so, as she’d only gotten to walk around the parade ground these past two days instead of her usual outdoor excursions, plus Carl hadn’t been home all day yesterday.

While there was no law prohibiting dogs from attending weddings, some guests might be afraid of large breeds or have severe allergies to pet hair, so Carl had no choice but to comply.

“We’ll spend all day playing together in the garden tomorrow, okay?”

As Carl gently stroked her cheeks, Elizabeth let out a soft whine and joined him on the bed.

“I can’t help but notice how much you resemble Adrian when you do that.”

Carl chuckled, earning himself a snort from Elizabeth. He wasn’t sure if she disliked the comparison or just Adrian in general. 

Earlier today, Marco had ventured into town with other servants. It took some effort to pry him away as he clung tightly to Carl’s pant leg, pleading not to go. However, Carl wanted Marco to experience life beyond the palace walls, to learn and grow alongside others his own age. Spending time alone for a day would also benefit him.

A day to himself sounded rather appealing right now, Carl mused.

As he undid his buttons one by one, Carl recalled Belfry collapsing on the ground.

Why had he fainted? Was it due to shock?

He hadn’t had a chance to speak to Belfry properly since returning from Viscount Thomas’ estate. Carl had wanted to get a read on the situation before the engagement ceremony, to see how the other man truly felt.  

But it seemed as though Belfry was avoiding Adrian and himself throughout the banquet, so much so that he didn’t even offer proper congratulations. Perhaps the Prophet had been right: Belfry had harbored feelings for Adrian, unrequited and unnoticed.

Ah, the prophet. He had countless questions for her as well.

After neatly folding his clothes, Carl headed to the bathroom. No matter how tired he felt, he couldn’t skip his bath. Not when someone had gone through the trouble of preparing a steaming bath for his return.

Carl stopped short as he entered the bathroom. Elizabeth, who’d been following close behind, mirrored his movements, tilting her head. 

“Hm?” A slender green bottle, perched on a table, caught his eye. He picked it up, examining the label. A vintage bottle of natural wine.  

Someone who managed this room must’ve wanted to set the mood for Adrian and Carl tonight.

“Come to think of it, I’ve never drunk alcohol since possessing Carl Lindbergh’s body.”

With so much on his mind, sleep wouldn’t come easily anyway, so why not enjoy a glass? He strutted around naked, grabbed a decorative glass from a shelf, and found a large tray nearby.

Normally, Marco would stay with Carl until bedtime, so Carl never had the chance to wander around naked. But tonight, a strange sense of freedom washed over him.

“Alright, let’s call this a staycation.”

As Elizabeth spun circles around him, Carl asked her, “Would you like to join me for a bath, Elizabeth?”

“

!” Elizabeth eagerly jumped up and down.

“Who knew I’d end up with a dog who enjoys baths? Jae-young would faint if she knew.” With a grin, Carl Lindbergh laughed and entered the bathroom with Elizabeth.

Meanwhile, one wolf, who found waiting unbearable, had driven away all the servants and was now heading back to Carl Lindbergh’s room.

Adrian had barely reached his own chambers when he received a summons from Glenn. It was unusual for Glenn to leave Theresa late at night, so Adrian sensed something serious must have occurred.

〈Movements have been detected near the Parman border. It seems like they’re taking advantage of our preoccupation with the engagement preparations. I think Carl would be devastated if anything happened to Leia Lindbergh while she’s en route home alone. Lead your elite unit and accompany Carl to assist her.〉

While a part of Adrian wanted to keep Carl safely tucked away within the palace walls, he knew that wasn’t what Carl would want. Thus, it was far better to go with him, to keep him safe. 

Although Glenn had instructed Adrian to inform Carl first thing tomorrow morning, Adrian decided to make one last stop at Carl’s room before retiring for the night under the pretext of delivering the message early.

,

.

“Carl, are you awake?”

There was no response from inside, despite guards stationed outside stating they sensed Carl’s presence until just moments ago. Perhaps he had fallen asleep by now?

,

.

Adrian knocked again. If there was still no response, he would have to wait until morning.

“Carl Lindbergh.”

Still nothing. It seemed like Carl might be asleep already. He must be really tired.

Adrian turned away with slight disappointment when he heard scratching behind the door.

“

Kkkinnng

.”

“Elizabeth?”

Carl’s dog, Elizabeth, was whimpering and clawing at the door.