4. Recognizing princes identities

IN A MORNING

WANESSA'S POINT OF VIEW:

The morning was crisp and clear, with the sun gently warming the earth as I walked through the familiar streets of Aldergrove, my favorite village nestled at the foot of the mountains. The village was always peaceful, its cobblestone streets lined with quaint cottages, vibrant market stalls, and the scent of freshly baked bread drifting through the air. I couldn't stop thinking about last night. About the three men I had met. They were all so similar in appearance, yet each had his own unique energy. Xavier, with his quiet intensity and air of mystery. Michael, who had a more commanding presence but also a kind heart. And Terrence, the one who seemed to tease and flirt, but I could see the weight of responsibility in his eyes. I wasn't sure why I couldn't stop thinking about them. One was injured, another was lost, and the last had simply asked for directions. None of it made sense, and yet, I felt an undeniable pull toward each of them.

"What is going on here?"I muttered.

As I passed the village square, I noticed a crowd gathered around the board. Curious, I approached, wondering what was going on. People were whispering excitedly, pointing at something on the board. And then I saw it. A grand, official looking poster with the royal insignia at the top. My breath caught in my throat as I read the words beneath the portraits. Three handsome men, their faces almost identical, were staring back at me. I recognized them immediately. Xavier. Michael. Terrence. The names were there, listed beneath their portraits, along with a title I hadn't expected 'Princes of the Kingdom'.

I couldn't believe my eyes. My breath caught in my throat. I felt my body go cold as the reality of the situation crashed over me. I had met them all. All three of them. But it wasn't just that. It was the fact that I knew what this meant. I had played this game before.

"It's happening like.. I was villainess in the game."I whispered to myself.

I had lived through it as the villainess, the extra character, the one who was never meant to be more than a minor inconvenience in the story. The game had always been clear about the prince's fate. They were destined to find their mate, a woman who would bind them together and bring peace to the realm. And I knew, deep down, that I was not supposed to be that woman.

"It can't be."I muttered.

In the game, the true mate would appear at the right time, someone perfect for each of them. Someone who wasn't just some random background character who happened to stumble into their path. But now, somehow, I had found myself in the middle of it all. And I knew what happened to the villainess in the game.

"I don't want to experiance that ending again."I whispered to myself.

She was always discarded. Forgotten. Her fate was sealed the moment she became entangled with the princes. I had seen it all play out. I had played it out.

But this? I wasn't supposed to be here. I wasn't supposed to be her. I turned on my heel and ran. My feet pounded against the cobblestone streets, my breath coming in short, frantic gasps. I had to keep running.

But fate had other plans. As I stumbled through the underbrush, my foot caught on a root, sending me tumbling forward. Strong arms caught me before I could fall, and I looked up to see none other than Xavier standing before me, his piercing gaze locked onto mine.

"Wanessa." He murmured, his voice low and steady. "What are you doing out here?"

I froze. The last thing I wanted was to be caught by him, especially after everything that had just happened.

 "I... I didn't mean to..." My voice faltered, panic rising in my chest. 

I had no idea how to explain myself, how to tell him that I wasn't the one he was supposed to want. Xavier's grip on my arms tightened, and I felt the warmth of his touch seep into my skin. His expression was unreadable, but there was something in his eyes, something that made my heart flutter despite the fear coursing through me.

"You're running from something." He said, his tone soft but firm. "Why?"

I swallowed hard, trying to find the words.

"I... I can't be your mate." I blurted out before I could stop myself. "I'm not the one you're supposed to be with. You... you'll find someone else. Someone better."

"You think I don't know what you're afraid of?" His voice dropped, becoming more serious. "You think I don't know what this means? I don't care about fate, Wanessa. I know you heard about phrotecy a lot of times but I don't care. I care about you."

I blinked, caught off guard by his words.

 "But... you don't understand. You're a prince. You deserve someone who fits the role." I said hesitantly. "I am nothing, but you need someone who is meant for you. Not... not me."I whispered.

He stepped closer, his breath warm against my skin as he lowered his voice.

 "I don't care about roles or fate. I care about you. And I'm not going to let you run away from me."He said. "I felt conection at the same moment you touched me, stop denying it Wanessa."

There was something in his eyes, something raw and vulnerable, that made me hesitate. Xavier wasn't like the prince I had imagined. He wasn't some cold, distant figure. He was real. And he wanted me. But I wasn't sure if I could accept that. I stepped backward slowly.

Before I could say anything else, he reached out, his fingers brushing against my cheek gently.

"You're not running from me, Wanessa. You're not running from this. You're mine. And I'm not letting you go."He said.

'I have to go!"I broke free from his grip before hiding in the forest. 

I knew they were going to find me and I already saw Xavier searching for me. Luckily for me, I knew a few spots and hopefully, it was enough. Xavier seems still couldn't believe that I have tried to escape from him so quickly. Soon I heard some steps as I turned around I saw them.

It was Michael and Terrence. They were walking side by side, their regal postures unmistakable even in the wild. Michael's golden hair caught the dappled sunlight, his piercing green eyes scanning the forest as if searching for something, or someone. Terrence, taller and broader, moved with a quiet intensity, his dark hair framing his sharp features.

I held my breath, praying they wouldn't see me.

"I still can't believe Xavier found her first." Michael said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "He's always been the lucky one, hasn't he?"

Terrence snorted. 

"Lucky? He's just stubborn. You know how he is."Terrence said.

They were talking about me. They knew. I pressed myself tighter against the tree, but it was no use. Michael suddenly stopped, his eyes narrowing as he turned his head in my direction. 

"Do you smell that?" He asked, his voice lowering.

Terrence paused, sniffing the air. His expression darkened. 

"Omega." He muttered. "She's close."

"She ran away from me."Xavier said.

"We find her. We are three she is only one."Michael said.

Before I could think of a plan, Michael's gaze locked onto mine. His lips curved into a sly smile. 

"Well, well. What do we have here?"Michael asked.

I bolted. I didn't get far. Terrence moved like lightning, cutting off my escape route. 

"Going somewhere?" He asked, his deep voice calm but commanding.

"Please." I stammered, my back pressing against the tree. "I don't want any trouble."

Michael approached slowly, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Trouble? You think we're here to cause trouble?""He tilted his head, studying me. "You're the one who's been causing all the fuss."Michael said.

"I, I don't know what you're talking about." I said, my voice trembling.

Terrence crossed his arms, his gaze determined. 

"You can't hide from us, omega. Not after Xavier found you."Terrence said.

"You our omega, Wanessa."Xavier said using almost the same tone as his older brother.

The mention of Xavier made my heart skip a beat.

"I don't belong here." I blurted out. "I'm just... I'm just trying to live my life. Please, let me go."

"Let you go? After all this? You're not going anywhere."Michael said while stepping closer.

"I've been fine on my own." I argued, my voice trembling. "I don't need your help."

Terrence sighed, stepping forward.

"Enough of this." Before I could react, he scooped me up effortlessly, holding me against his chest as if I weighed nothing.

"Put me down!" I shouted, struggling against his grip. "I'm not going with you!"

"Stop squirming." Terrence said, his tone calm but firm. "You'll only make this harder on yourself."

"Terrence." Xavier said, his voice low, almost a warning.

"What? She's clearly not going to come willingly."Terrence replied, glancing at his younger brother. "Would you rather we leave her out here to fend for herself?"

Michael smirked, leaning casually against a tree. 

"He's got a point, Xavier. She's safer with us."Michael said.

I glared at all three of them, my chest heaving with frustration.

"I don't want to go with you! Just leave me alone!"I growled.

They were the male leads, the ones destined for greatness. And I was just... me. As they started walking, I realized there was no point in fighting. They weren't going to let me go. I felt a lump rise in my throat as the castle loomed closer in the distance, its towering spires piercing the sky. At least I needed my things. At that moment I had plan in my head, it might fail but at least I could try.