After the third day, the bloom was over, and Arlen felt better. Showered with gifts and blessings from his guardians, he tried to be his old self and not make them worry too much. The next few days brought many challenges. Basma took decisions that split his liberty in half. A change of wardrobe was alright, except now, he had many feminine-coloured patterns and accessories. To an extent, the new omega felt it was too much. Arlen's time training in combat was reduced to make room for lessons on taking care of a home and basic etiquette for omegas. No more two peas in a pod lifestyle with Julius; more guards were assigned to him. "You cannot let him do whatever he wants," Basma implanted a command Arlen could not erase or pull out. 'Give me a break.' He cringed whenever he ate with the family. Dining turned into a platform for possible matchmaking for him. The perk of being a flower as it stood was; no more harsh punishments from Rufus, people were extra careful around him, and he
"It is my fault; I let him roam while guests were in the castle." Julius fell at Rufus' feet. This problem could merit being dismissed from Arlen's side, but he would not let his friend face this storm alone. Ari could not tear her eyes away from the youngest as fear eroded her thoughts. In Arlen's case, having contact with a Beaumont was taboo, not to talk of emotional attachments. "Did he see your face?" Rufus skipped to the next question. "Answer me!" He yelled when his cousin remained mute. "My Prince, the Beaumonts never saw Master Arlen's face." Julius shuffles on his knees to grab a leg, interfering with the alpha's interrogation. Rufus did not hesitate to kick him in the gut. "You do not speak unless you're told to! You foolishly encourage him to make life-threatening mistakes. Do you want my brother dead?!" He took it out on the servant. Arlen flinched, shaken by the harsh treatment. "Maybe I should lock you up in a cell or cut off your head this instant!" The sound of hi
Arlen P.O.V I won't say I slept soundly; letting this day pass meant that I was leaving the castle. Okay, I'll be honest, I couldn't sleep a wink. Julius, being my right hand, got the chance to give his blessings before Senior Sister at dawn. They were super excited about the party. I'm sure this won't be like my fourteenth birthday, where I sneaked into the woods to celebrate with ghosts and corpses. Julius peed his pants twice that night, trying to find me. Haha, such good times. The Queen came to my room before breakfast. "I'll be helping you get ready today," she said. My Aunt may be quick-tempered, but that's because she loves too strongly and hates nonsense. On days like these, she was extra. In the evening, the hall came alive. I was surrounded by loved ones and people who saw me grow. It dampened my mood watching them celebrate. Were they happy I won't be here by this time tomorrow? Luckily Uncle Claude agreed to let Julius come with me. I smiled and laughed, but my blood
The guards watched their surroundings closely and offered the Prince and his close servant water as they found a spot in the serene yet rocky landscape. Arlen wiped his mouth after quenching his thirst. "Master Arl- I mean, Julius," the new Arlen, had to get by in remembering his name and status. The old one was patient with him, saying that Julius would get it right once he was not around. "Have you decided which path to take?" Julius peered at the omega with concern. "I was thinking of seeing the misty borders of Ingram before we part. It's been so long I've forgotten how standing in that dark fog feels... but I might get off in the next town. Your men say it's not far from here." Arlen grinned. "So this is part of No-Man's-Land. It's not as scary as they say it is. It would have been nice to test Moon in these deserted lands." he pursed his lips playfully as he looked around. In his mind, he believed this forbidden place could be peaceful for someone like him. While they wander a
(Flashback) Julius knits his brows as sleep slowly clears from his eyes. Everything around him appeared hazy, and he could not identify where he lay. A smile welcomes him after blinking a few times; his Master is by his side, holding his hand. "Don't get up" was the only sentence he understood in the first few minutes. He could not hear, so he tried to read the other's lips. More so, he fell in awe, seeing so many amulets plastered to his body. Arlen removed them one at a time, applying pressure on each spot before peeling them off. "Okay, now you can sit." Arlen pulled Julius by the arms and leaned his head against the bed frame. "Do you hear any voices?" He brought a cup of water. Julius shook his head. His throat was too dry and husky to speak. He sets the cup to his mouth and sips the water. Judging by how hard he had to swallow, one would think he was gushing down a bucket of water instead of a tiny ceramic cup. "Okay, but don't be frightened when you hear them later. Spir
Reed found a better shelter and gathered food and water. Things did not go as planned, but heaven was on his side- leading him to see five of his men lost in the vast land. It was difficult leaving the Prince behind, but it proved fruitful. He had more people to help him protect the young Braddock. If this person stays alive, he can return home with his head high. But after the death of the Prince's special servant, the honour due him seemed to dwindle. "Your Highness, I brought fruits. Please manage them until I figure a way out." Reed went on his knees to present what he had found. For one man, it should be enough berries. Julius was in a sour mood. All the anger inside him mutated into something else after spending two hours alone with his thoughts and the unseen voices. "Sir..." "Take that thing away. Bring back my servant. Only then will I be satisfied," Julius said. Reed lowered his eyes remorsefully as he gathered the drive to repeat what he had stated earlier and more. "Th
The small cave brightened gradually as fire swallowed the twigs the omega gathered. "Hahh." Arlen whimpered, moping about the pain in his neck. " WHAT?!" He yelled at the man sitting across the flame, staring at him with an angry frown. Luca looked away, but only for a second. How could he not stare? This person could have let him suffer there yet chose to save him. Arlen continues to grumble. He had used up a lot of energy and could hardly keep a spell up. Unfortunately, there were no spirits to utilise in their hiding spot. What else to do but lean against the cave walls and try to regain a little strength? On the other side, Luca was bleeding out. He shoves the pain down his throat and does nothing. His ego could not bear being at this person's mercy- he had been humiliated more than he should be, carried like a cripple by a prisoner, a kid. Arlen's eyes shot open at the sound of movements. At this juncture, anything was possible; Luca might make another attempt on his life. T
Telling day from the night was close to impossible. Arlen and Luca made no count of the hours spent so far. But they had been buried underground with the beast for two days and two nights. Half the time was spent with both parties thinking the worst of each other in silence, while the other half focused on the omega spying on the alpha. Luca stayed put. He firmly believed the men outside would send for help. Arlen was not counting on it. Getting help meant him being captured again. Nevertheless, his chances of escaping this den seemed bleak without assistance. His quest for food jolts his mind to the small pouch hidden in his pocket. A smile lit up his face when he picked up Moon. Holding it brought a little comfort, yet it turns sour when he thinks back to the people who must be waiting for him...and Julius. He wondered if Julius was okay. 'He probably thinks I'm dead. *sigh* I must send him a letter if I get out of here. My Jules must be bawling his eyes out.' "There are nuts
By the time Reed realized he had been used- again- it was too late. Julius gently set him on a shabby bed of hay, crouching beside him with an expression of childlike curiosity. "Are you feeling better?" he asked, patting Reed’s head."What happened? What time is it?" Reed groaned, pressing a hand to his throbbing temple. He tried to get up but found his legs numb and unwilling."Wait, don’t try to move. You're still recovering," Julius said, pressing him back down."How could I sleep so deeply? My men… the carriage…" Reed’s voice was dazed, his words scattered.Julius dismissed Reed’s fragmented concerns, believing him to be rambling. "It’s alright, Owen. This will be the last time I take your energy, I promise." He leaned in, brushing a gentle kiss across Reed’s lips.Reed’s brow furrowed as he pulled away. "What did you do, Julius?"Julius’ smile faded. "What are you implying?""What did you need my energy for?"Julius’ face hardened. "If you must know, I collapsed the fog at the b
"Did you miss me?" Arlen asked as Luca thrust into him for what felt like the hundredth time."Every hour, every minute… every second," Luca replied, voice thick with longing."Then kiss me harder. Show me the depth of your despair," Arlen cooed.Luca held Arlen close as if he could disappear at any moment. The memory felt lucid, almost unreal. It was harder for him not to bury himself deeper. It was in an alpha's nature to bite and knot his cherished omega, and Luca was nearly numb with excitement as Arlen wrapped around him like a vine, making desperate, teasing sounds that ignited every instinct within him."Arlen, if we keep going like this, I might fall into a rut.""That's not... fair," Arlen murmured between breaths.Luca lifted his gaze to meet Arlen’s. "Is this not to your liking?""No, that's not what I meant. I have to claim you, Luca.” Arlen averted his eyes, his voice dropping to a whisper. “What if you woke up and changed your mind?"With a steady rhythm, Luca pressed g
Arlen led David to the guest quarters, leaving him in the care of capable servants. He then continued along a different path, Luca close behind. Every now and then, Arlen glanced back with a smile, ensuring that Luca stayed close. As they neared a large compound, Luca presumed the inevitable meeting with his father-in-law was approaching. He braced himself. It was unlikely to be a pleasant encounter given their family history, but it had to happen. The structures of this place felt different from the cold, mechanical landscape of Damaris. The statues here were immense, fearsome, and far removed from the serene ones back home. Guards stood at every corner, their expressions stern and lacking any warmth. For Luca, walking side by side with ‘the’ Arlen Braddock still felt surreal, and yet his heart was overwhelmed with love. When they entered a large room, the doors shut behind them with a quiet snap. Luca turned at the sound, only to notice a faint blue hue glowing over the ex
For a moment, Arlen studied Luca’s face as if caught in a daydream, focusing on all the features he longed to touch- his eyes, ears, cheeks, lips. Luca, however, stood motionless, like an old tree rooted in place.But Arlen dropped to his knees. Luca clenched his fists as he struggled to find a way to redeem himself. The sight of Arlen touching his feet, as though a lowly servant, made Luca feel like the monster Rufus had always claimed he was. It was a sharp reminder of the blind hatred he’d harboured for over a decade before their paths had crossed. “I should’ve told you the truth. I tried, but…” Arlen’s voice was frail. Somehow he couldn’t shake the fear that Luca had come to end his life. His heart sank further when Luca hesitantly pulled his feet away. However, Luca had other other plans. Arlen watched, confused, as the alpha knelt, lowering himself until their eyes were level. His breath caught when Luca’s forehead dipped to touch the hem of his robe. “Forgive me, Your Highn
Naturally, Rufus and the others followed the royal family closely after the celebrations with the people, but they couldn’t get too near due to the barricades of soldiers. Seeing this, Rufus suggested an alternative. “We need to separate my uncle from that imposter.” David: "But how do we do that? There are so many guards around that jerk. Did you notice he’s gotten taller since the last time we fought him? And his voice-“ "Focus, David!" Rufus snapped. Luca cut in, “Rufus, go after the King. Leave the imposter to me.” Rufus nodded at the logic. The King would recognize him easily. “In that case, go with David. Nathan and I will follow the King.” *** Zariah took Arlen under her wing after the main event, leading him to mingle with their subjects. Believing there was no danger, Caesar did not object. Arlen wore a solemn expression as the celebrations continued. Earlier, his speech had lightened the atmosphere, making the people feel important and remembered. They laughed and c
Arlen approached his father’s study. Caesar was obsessed with having his wife’s ghost roaming about, but when Arlen mentioned someone else as the source of his troubles, Caesar listened."Son, be honest with me. Why is that slave still alive?""He’s not a slave, Father. He’s my best friend, someone I consider a soulmate.""Well, what about your mate? Do you dote on this Julius more than them?""Not that kind of soulmate. Julius and I share a bond that even I can’t break- the kind that would make him do anything for me without hesitation.""Like trying to kill your uncle? Do you think he would’ve stopped there?""He wasn’t himself," Arlen said with a sunken voice."Then maybe you don’t know this Julius as well as you think you do.""You’re not listening to me. I exploited my best friend’s loyalty. I recklessly tainted his soul with demons. He tricked you because I made him that way.""And you still haven’t learned your lesson. You cannot put one man- a beta, above Ingram." Caesar shook
Arlen sat under the pavilion with Zariah, working on his speech for the upcoming festival."That’s terrible, toss it out. You can add this line to the last one... Come on, kid, didn’t you learn anything from me?" Zariah’s tone was firm."This isn’t like dealing with omegas, Aunt," Arlen sighed, already bored with his first duty as Prince."Of course it is! The people need to believe you're committed to your role. You’re an omega- hasn’t anyone ever said something that made you feel special?" It turned out Zariah’s nagging could be worse than Basma’s."How would I know? My mate... he barely says anything sweet. He’s the stiffest alpha you’ll ever meet.” “Worse than your father?” “Far worse!” Arlen stressed. “Half the time, he said I was trouble. On lucky days he expressed how much he wanted to keep me by his side." Arlen blurted, then paused, realizing he might never hear Luca say those words again. "But I can’t say that to my subjects."Arlen refused to reveal the identity of his ch
Reed could not accept reality. A new Arlen Braddock had replaced the one he knew. He was astonished that this was the servant his person nearly killed him for losing.As a high-ranking warrior, the men guarding Julius' cell allowed him to pass without questions.Reed's hands went around the metallic bars. "Is it true?" His usually gentle voice sounded scratchy. Sitting on the floor at the far end, Julius answered without looking at him, patiently drawing secret symbols. "I am not my master," he said."Then who are you?""It would be best if you were disgusted by me," Julius chuckled under his breath."I meant what I said. Even if you were not a noble, I'd still stand by you." Reed pulled on the bars, stating to whom his allegiance belonged. That did surprise Julius. He looked at the alpha, and a laugh burst out of him. "Hahahaha, did I bewitch you too much?"Reed unlocked the prison door and entered, his footsteps heavy and hasty. "Can you look into my soul and tell me what we had was
Julius tried the same trick on Arlen twice, using pheromones borrowed from his special pet, but it failed. Arlen's mind had grown stronger. "Master Arlen, I-" He gasped, peering around for the weapon he dropped. He gathered himself and quickly dashed for it, but Moon intentionally rolled away, making his attempt useless.'I'll distract him. Run, you fool!' Sephire screamed, right before leaving Zariah's body.“Sephire, don’t!” Julius watched in horror as his guardian opposed his maker.Sephire, unbothered by the consequences, did not hold back. Arlen caught her by the neck. "There is nowhere to run," he said, sinking his hand into her skin.Julius felt the impact of losing one of his demons. He slumped in a corner, trying to salvage his last strength. Even then, he could not take his eyes off Sephire. For once he got a better glimpse of the woman whispering into his ears. Her maniacally soothing voice was befitting of her frame. Despite the scales covering half of her face, Julius sa