Chapter 30 #3
The Monarch appears really intrigued now. She walks over to us and studies the smooth metal box without taking it. “What exactly is it?”
“I created it to help lessen the symptoms of an Omega’s heat.
” I turn it over in my hands, my thumb brushing over the dial along the side.
“The debilitating pain, the hormonal surges, even some of the delirium, they all originate from a small region of the brain behind the ear. This produces controlled vibrations, which interrupts those neurological signals.”
The Monarch recoils. “Then what about reproduction? Omega and Alpha birthrates are already low. Without heat—”
“It doesn’t affect the Omegas’ need to mate,” I say. “Only the more negative symptoms.”
When I glance around the room, I catch Iris watching me with wide-eyed disbelief, while pride shines across Pen’s face so plainly my chest tightens.
“And you’re certain?” the Monarch asks. “Our society’s future could hinge on something like this.”
Mari doesn’t hesitate. “Yes. I used it during my first heat. The pain was manageable. I was clearheaded. I could eat, drink, think...” A faint blush warms her cheeks before she continues. “It worked exactly as Reece designed it to.”
“Omegas’ suffering can be over,” Iris mutters, still in shock.
“But it isn’t finished,” the Monarch says. “You said as much, Mr. Calder.”
“More tests and trials will need to be done, but Dominic Stockton has already expressed interest in my idea. With access to proper equipment and testing, this can be revolutionary for Omegas everywhere.”
The room falls silent. Then, the Monarch reaches out. “May I?”
I place the device carefully into her hand. She picks it up and examines it with narrowed eyes. “Device or not, if I allow one couple to bend the rules, then what?” she asks.
“There are Delta and Omega couples on the mainland,” Mari says, her confidence growing again. “They’re happy.”
“They build packs differently,” I add to give her more back up. “And so can we.”
“The mainland is not Sabine,” the Monarch says.
“No,” I agree. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from them.”
“Haven’t you promised your people change?” Mari takes a step forward and tugs me with her.
That makes Sophine pause.
“She’s right, Sophine,” Pen says in a low tone. “It’s time to let go of the old ways. The heart doesn’t choose who it loves based on denomination or social standing. You know that. And now with Reece’s invention, heats don’t need to be a determining factor, either.”
“This will show Sabine that you aren’t a Monarch of just words,” Iris says. “You promised them freedom to choose their own mates. Now it’s time to show them you meant it.”
Ignoring them both, the Monarch passes the device back to me. “If I approve this, people will accuse me of abandoning tradition.”
“Wanting a better future for your people isn’t a bad thing, Monarch,” I say gently. “No matter what denomination they are.”
“He’s right.” Iris steps forward. “Your approval ratings are the highest they’ve ever been since you announce the inclusive program and the Love Without Limits Act. The younger generations are looking up to you. Not only as a leader but as a visionary with an open mind.”
And, if we’re lucky, an open heart.
I’ve never been lucky.
Gaze swinging from Iris to Mari then finally resting to me, the Monarch releases a slow breath.
“Very well, Mr. Calder. You seem to have thought of everything to make this work. It shows your commitment to my Luxe far more than your pretty words, in my opinion. But, I have one more question for you.”
“Yes?”
“Can you smell her?” she asks, gesturing to Mari. “Right now, with blocker on. Can you smell her?”
“Uh…” I’m not sure where she’s going with this, but there’s no reason for me to lie. “Yes. I’ve always been able to. She smells like her namesake, Marigolds, like a springtime meadow. She’s floral, subtle sweetness, a garden in the sun.”
The Monarch turns to Mari next. “And you?”
“Pencil shavings, graphite, like my art supplies,” she replies. “The things that bring me the most joy in the world.”
Sophine glances at Pen briefly. “Ah. Well then.” She clears her throat, smoothing a hand down her navy jacket. Torturing us with her silence. “In light of our discussion today… I will, in fact, approve your mating ceremony.”
Mari squeals with delight.
“But,” the Monarch continues, lifting a single finger, “I have one condition.”
Mari glances at me. “What condition?”
The Monarch’s thin lips lift in a devious smile. “If Sabine is going to witness its first official mating ceremony between an Omega and a Delta, then it deserves to be remembered, so I will host it. Here. During the next ball.”
Uncertain glances passed between all of us.
“Monarch,” Mari begins carefully, “that’s incredibly generous, but Reece and I don’t need anything so extravagant. We only want permission to be together.”
“Miss Gardener, you and Mr. Calder came her today asking me to make history. You want the world to acknowledge you as mates,” Sophine says, her voice solemn but her gaze sparking with mischief. “And so that’s exactly what I intend to do.”