7 Chapter 7: The Proposition

Alea looked at her bride in front of her and felt that she truly was in a different world. Not that she wasn't aware of it already, but that the longer she stayed, the more it was proving this point through actions. She admits that when she was a little girl she fantasized about her wedding, but after she had chosen her career and saw the danger that came with it, those fantasies became exactly that. She wasn't pessimistic, she just understood the cruel truth and it turns out that she was right to do so. However as she sits here now, looking at her wife she tried to remember if any of her fantasies were even remotely close to the truth. Though it's probably been too long since she thought about it, and she can no longer picture any of those unrealistic things.

Whilst Alea was looking at Raya. Raya was also looking at her. Raya admits that at the moment she's surprised. She never expected that while she was trying to think of a way to bring up the topic, her new alpha wife would mention it a step ahead of her. Thinking of what Alea might want to talk to her about, Raya's eyes were unconsciously staring at Alea, allowing Alea to recover from her temporary daze.

Seeing as there was no time like the present Alea spoke calmly.

"You probably have reservations about this marriage. I also think that it's quite careless to believe that putting two strangers in the same room will instantly make them fall in love

Knowing this. I'm hoping that we can come to some sort of arrangement that we can both agree on regarding what will happen in the future".

Hearimg Alea's words, Raya was dumbfounded. This is exactly what she had hoped for. She knew that alphas were very prideful, and they saw omegas as something that belonged to them, so she had only a little hope that Alea would agree to her request. The rest of her mind had accepted that she would need to fulfill her marriage responsibilities, and she'd just close off her heart and live as an obedient omega, just as this world expected her to. The elation she felt after Alea finished speaking was so great that she cursed her lack of knowledge for not having the words needed to express it. She quickly regained her composure, afraid that if she didn't reply sooner, then Alea would change her mind.

"Your assumption is correct. I have always thought that a marriage should have an emotional foundation. Perhaps my idea is foolish to you, however I'm truly grateful that you're willing to ask my opinion on this matter".

Raya spoke in a gentle and calm voice, but Alea could still hear the relief that she tried to hide. Alea didn't feel offended when she heard this. She knew that the omegas of this time period, like the women of hers were helpless in society. Indoctrinated to believe in the position they were unwillingly assigned simply based on a certain function of their body. Independence and uniqueness seen as a character flaw and trained out of them. When you're just one person against the world, how can you not succumb to the pressure. Alea hated those that forced their own selfish ideologies onto others the most, but just as she thought before, how can she as one person, change the ingrained beliefs of an entire society?

She sighed at the depressing thoughts. At least she could give the omega in front of her the chance to choose. Instead of nipping those independent thoughts in the bud. She'd choose to help Raya cultivate them. At least she as her wife has the most ability to shield her from the wind and rain.

"It's only right to ask, this involves both of our lives, and I hope that going forward you and I can work together to build a future for ourselves that bring us both happiness".

"I'd like that" Raya spoke quietly, "I'd like that a lot".

With the polite yet distant mood dispelled by their chat, the two wives smiled at each other. If someone else had been looking at them from the side at the moment. They would've seen two very similar faces making the exact same expression. The two however were clueless to the tinge of anticipation about their future that flowed through their mind subconsciously.

Alea took the opportunity to stand up and put the chair back by the table. Then walked towards the dresser and grabbed out a spare set of bedding and began to set it up on the floor. Unfortunately her room does not have a long sofa that she can rest on so she was left with just the floor. Alea didn't mind though, after all she's slept in worse places. When she was about to blow out the candle and say goodnight she saw from the corner of her eye Raya's hesitant appearance. She thought Raya might have something else to say so she asked.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Are you not going to be uncomfortable sleeping on the ground?" Raya asked with concern.

"No, no. I'm used to it. This is nothing to me".

Raya didn't believe it, the floor at night could chill to the bone. She moved to the side of the bed closest to the wall and then patted where she was just laying urging Alea.

"Come up. There's enough space for the both of us".

"Are you sure? I really don't mind staying here for the night".

Raya knew why she was hesitating and felt sweet because of her caution. However she had already made up her mind,so she urged again.

"I am certain. We've decided to plan for our future together. So I'm willing to trust that you won't do anything that would drive a gap between us".

"I'll make sure to prove to you that your trust hasn't been misplaced".

After speaking Alea picked up the bedding from the floor, shook it off in case there was dust and relaid it on the outer side of the bed. She then turned to Raya and bid her a goodnight before laying down and blowing out the candle. Although Raya had said she was fine, but after all she had grown to this age and had never slept in bed with another person, so her heart was beating a little fast. She thought that Alea might be the same, but all she heard were deep yet calm breaths.

How did she fall asleep so quickly? Raya pondered. However, as if Alea's breathing had a hypnotic effect, her eyes began fighting to stay open. Oh well thought Raya. She'd figure out the answer another time. Then she accepted the beckoning embrace of her dreams. She was certain they'd be pleasant ones tonight.