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Chapter Text

Even before his reign, the valorous alpha king of the Southern kingdom had gained fame and respect after defending the nation from foreign invaders. He had proven himself to be a powerful leader, staying at the front lines of the Western kingdom to protect it from the threat. During the Great War, he single-handedly defeated the enemies and saved the Northern Kingdom from annihilation. 

It was because of his extreme heroism that the day of his official coronation was made into a national holiday. The rulers of the four kingdoms were there to witness when he ascended to the throne at the young age of eighteen. It was a day of celebration, and all conflict between the kingdoms had been halted for the occasion. The new king had long overshadowed his own father and the many before him. He built vast trade cities along the Sea of the Southern Kingdom, which would contribute to a major boost in the economy. He was a rich king, admired by all who served under him and hated by none. 

As the years went on, the influence of the Southern kingdom only grew. They were safe from all foreign intervention, as no one dared to go against the king for fear of loss. But this didn’t hold true for the Northern, Eastern, and Western kingdoms, which were subject to the constant panic of a capture. Pressure from foreign rulers had plagued the borders of each great kingdom.  

It was a dream of the Southern king to unite the kingdoms. He knew he could preserve and protect the land if the kingdoms could overlook their conflicts and work together. His advisors had warned him that the task was impossible, but the king knew a way. 

And so he made a vow. He vowed to take 4 wives, one from each kingdom, to serve as his queens. Deprived of all hope, the Western king was the first to accept the protection and offered his eldest alpha daughter to the Southern king. The Northern king was next and offered his only omega son. Lastly, the Eastern queen tearfully offered her favorite omega daughter. Not wanting to offend his own kingdom, the King chose his last wife, an alpha woman from a prominent family in the Southern kingdom. 

On the day of the wedding, people from each kingdom gathered all around to watch. The four beautiful brides walked down the aisle in their traditional clothing, and the Southern king waited. He had made vows to treat them equally. “My queens,” he had said, “you have honored your kingdoms greatly today.” He turned to the crowd gathered. “I promise protection to all of you,” he announced, before turning back to his queens and kneeling. “I promise each of you…You are all my queens. I will love you equally. Please take what I can offer you. Please love and respect each other as sisters and take me humbly as your husband.” The queens had made their promises, and he took each of their hands, slipping a ring onto them. Then he kissed each of them, not a second more than the next. 

Sticking to his word, the Southern King stationed his strong military at the borders of each of the kingdoms. He personally visited each kingdom, meeting each ruler and discussing strategies. He had succeeded in uniting the kingdoms, and his dream was finally complete. And so he returned to his queens whom he had left the day after the wedding. He was thrilled to find that they had gotten along in the time he was gone and devoted his time to getting to know each of them. 

A year later, his advisors had brought to his attention that an heir to the throne had to be chosen. The king had not yet bedded any of his wives for fear of breaking his promise to love them equally, but he had to fulfill his legacy. 

And so for the first time, he had asked his wives to compete. A friendly competition to determine the heir of the great Southern Kingdom. He would consummate with each of his queens on consecutive nights. The child to be born first would be chosen as the heir. As each of the queens loved him, they consented to the challenge. It was decided that he would bed his Western queen first since she was his first bride. Next, his northern queen, his Eastern, and finally his Southern. 

He stayed with each of them from sunset to sunrise, not a second longer in giving any of them an unfair advantage. To his excitement, each of his queens had discovered signs of pregnancy. But the real challenge had just begun, for no one could predict who would give birth first. 

It was during the night on the last day of the year that the western queen had gone into labor. She had endured painfully until finally, on the first day of the new year, a baby boy, an alpha was born. She named him Daichi, as he was the first child born to the king and was also born on the first day of the new year. “Daichi… what a perfect name for my perfect heir,” the king had repeated as he held his sleeping child. As jealous as they were, the other queens congratulated their sister and comforted her. 

2 weeks later, the northern queen gave birth to another healthy alpha boy. The king took his child into his arms. He looked into the boy's shining golden eyes, like a candle piercing through the dark. “His name will be Koutarou!” the king announced as he kissed his son's head. 

Almost a month later, the southern queen birthed Hajime, named for his strength when the king felt the newborn’s unbelievably strong grip on his finger. “He will be the best fighter this country has ever seen.” 

Finally, the eastern queen gave birth to a laughing baby boy. Tetsurou, because of his cheerfulness. 

“My queens,” the King had addressed his wives, “you have each given me such beautiful children. I couldn’t be happier!” And so they all lived peacefully in the palace, The king with his 4 queens and 4 sons. 

But one as great as the Southern king is not easily satisfied.

It was almost 5 years after the birth of his sons when the king strutted down an isolated corridor, deeply frustrated after a meeting. He heard the clink of anklets scurry away. “Who’s there!” he shouted, before catching sight of a flash of fire running behind a pillar. He followed closely, grabbing a slender wrist and pulling the noisemaker into his chest. There he was faced with a doe-eyed beauty. The fire he had seen earlier was simply just the light glinting off of flaming orange hair. “Who are you?” the king had asked. “I am simply a maid in this wing of the palace,” the omega had said quietly. He released a scent of fear. “Spare me, your majesty, I didn’t mean to anger you,” he pleaded. 

The king gripped his hips, pulling the maid flat against his body. “Someone as beautiful as you should be rewarded.” He pressed his lips to the omega’s neck. 

It deeply angered the 4 queens when their beloved king returned one day, cradling a baby with fiery orange hair. “My queens,” he started, “This child is mine. Please love him as your own.” The queens looked at their husband in confusion, then at each other. “His mother is no more,” he said quietly. “But he is the product of my own affair.” 

The western queen, mother of his heir, stepped forward. She reached her hands out and took the baby in her arms. “It matters not who the mother is,” she began,” but more that the father is our beloved.” She looked to the other queens and beckoned them to her side. They each looked at the sleeping baby and kissed his forehead. “Boys, come here,” she called to the four princes who gathered around their youngest brother. “What shall we name him?” she asked them. The boys whispered amongst themselves for a moment. “Shoyo,” Daichi said, “His hair is golden like the sun.” The others nodded.  “Then…Shoyo it is,” the queen said. “Our little omega prince.” 

And for the first time in his life, the king cried, almost as an apology to the queens for his mistake.

…

Shoyo took a deep breath in. “Everything will be alright,” he whispered to himself. “You’ve met him so many times before, no reason to get nervous now!” 

“Sho, are you alright? You’re paler than the moon,” Kenma said as he entered the room with Keiji, Koushi, and Tooru following after. 

“Kenma-san!” he blurted out, “I’m beyond terrified!” 

Koushi took his place behind Shoyo, brushing his hair and starting to braid it. The silver-haired omega sighed, “Sho-chan, you should have been ready an hour ago. Tobio-san will be here soon!”

“I don’t want to marry that oaf, he’s such a jerk!” he pouted. 

“Yeah, I don’t blame you, Tooru snickered, “Tobio-chan can be a little bit of a dumbass sometimes.” 

“How can you say that about your own cousin, Tooru?” Keiji laughed. He took the younger omega’s hands in his own. “Just relax, Shoyo. If I remember correctly, you admitted you were in love with him the last time you danced.” 

He blushed. 

“Think of it this way,” Suga said as he tied Shoyo’s fiery locks, “This is just your formal engagement. If you really hate him that much, you can always break it off.” 

“No, that’s not it,” the youngest omega sighed. “I do really, really like him, it’s just…I’m scared I’ll mess up, and he’ll hate me, and it’ll go downhill and-” 

“Hey,” Tooru cut him off. “Let me tell you that Tobio-chan is head over heels for you. I’ve never seen him blush harder than he did when he danced with you. You’ve got nothing to worry about,” the brunette reassured. 

“Thank you, Tooru-san,” Shoyo said softly, “But I have a question…” 

“What’s on your mind?” Keiji responded. 

“When did you all realize you loved my brothers?” 

They all smiled as they reminisced for a moment. “Well, it was different for all of us,” Koushi started. 

“And it is quite a long story…” Kenma added. 

“Well, we’ve got an hour or two to kill,” Shoyo said, “How did you fall in love?” 

Chapter Text

Being heir to the Southern Kingdom comes with a whole load of responsibilities, but that didn’t phase Daichi. A natural born leader all throughout his childhood, Daichi had proven himself on more than one occasion. Getting his brothers out of trouble all throughout their school days, his maturity had certainly been one of his most admirable traits. And on top of that he was almost as great a talker as Tetsurou, participating in government meetings alongside his father at the young age of 15. 

Although he wasn’t quite as good of a fighter as Hajime or Koutarou, he was wicked smart. A phenomenal strategist as well, and he was always striving to learn more. It was because of this that he was taken in as a pupil to the greatest teacher in all the nation. “You can learn from me,” the old teacher had said, “But I will not come to the palace. If you wish to learn, you will stay in my village and live as I do.” 

And so Daichi made the decision to live abroad for two years, learning all that he could before he would succeed the throne. 

The month after his 19th birthday, his mother had tearfully hugged him goodbye. “Must you go for so long?” she had asked him, but he took her hands in his own and promised that he would return soon. Daichi was given blessings from the other queens, wishing him the best of luck in his time away. Koutarou and Tetsurou bawled like babies when it was time for them to say goodbye. “We’re gonna miss you Dai!” they cried out before engulfing their brother in an almost lethal hug. “Come back soon,” Hajime had whispered as he patted Daichi’s back. Then he moved away, looking down, and it was clear to see he was trying to hide his tears. Daichi then ruffled Shoyo’s hair and patted the head of his sulking youngest brother. 

The southern king was the last to acknowledge his son. He placed his hands on his shoulders and looked in admiration at his oldest. The young man had now reached his own height and could meet his equal gaze. The king was beyond proud. “Daichi,” he started, “When you return… this Kingdom will be yours. You’ve proven yourself to be the rightful heir, and I will forever anticipate the day when you will claim what is yours.” 

“Father…” Daichi said humbly. 

“My son… I’m so proud of you. Now go, your teacher awaits you,” the king said as he embraced the man. 

Daichi wiped his tears and waved goodbye as he entered the carriage. He sat back and sighed. He would miss his brothers, life in the palace, all the wonders that came with being a prince. But nevertheless, his racing heart was all the proof he needed to assure himself that this was his calling. 

The carriage rocked endlessly for 4 agonizingly long days, but Daichi was ever grateful for the moments in which he rode the horses at the front of the carriage. His journey would take him up the southern mainlands, across the entire Western empire and finally, to his destination in the north of the Northern kingdom. 

Daichi was in awe at the change of landscape as he traveled across the border. The desert surroundings of the Southern kingdom had been replaced with paved roads and vast cities of the advanced Western empire. And when he crossed to the North, the cityscapes had morphed into lush pastures and fog-covered peaks. 

Daichi had visited the Northern kingdom enough times to know that it would be freezing around autumn time, but he was still caught off guard by the strong gust of wind that rustled his shirt. 

“This won’t do,” he thought to himself, as he changed out of his light clothes and into proper trousers and a fur lined cloak. 

He rode through the mountains, and into the secluded village of his teacher. Daichi unloaded his trunks by himself not to seem like someone important. He had already gained quite a bit of attention as he arrived in a royal carriage. Daichi walked through the village, taking note of the pointed buildings covered in flowers and other greenery. It was beautiful and breathtaking. He had discovered quite quickly that no one there knew he was a prince, and it made him feel almost relieved. 

He had sent his servants away before approaching the house of his teacher. The smaller man welcomed him with open arms, inviting him inside.

“Prince Daichi, welcome to my humble home. I am very honored to make your acquaintance,” he said as he walked in with arms raised. 

Daichi took in the surroundings of his teacher's home. It was medium sized, a little bit too big for one person, but too small for a whole family. And upon further inspection, it was seemingly better built than most of the other buildings Daichi had seen.  

“The pleasure is all mine, Sensei,” Daichi said, bowing slightly. “This is a lovely home you have here,” he said as he looked around, admiring the many scientific charts and diagrams hung up around every room.

“Oh you’re just being polite. I’m sure this is nothing compared to the Southern palace. Besides you caused quite a bit of a commotion coming to town in that designer carriage,” the older man responded with an almost artificial smile. 

Daichi cleared his throat. “I apologize, it seems I have quite a bit of adjusting to do,” he chuckled. 

“Well, I’m glad you understand,” the teacher grinned. “Now allow me to show you to your room?”

Daichi followed him up a flight of stairs to a floor with three rooms. 

“That is my bedroom,” he pointed to the room at the end of the hall. “And this is the guest quarters. You will be staying here.” 

Daichi couldn’t help but notice the other room. The door was creaked open, enough that he could see a well furnished room, complete with a bed and dresser. 

“Sugawara-sensei, is there anyone else that lives here,” Daichi asked curiously. 

His teacher raised his eyebrows quickly. “Oh yes, it’s just me and my son here. I can assure you it won’t be much of a crowd. He’s a nice boy, he’ll be back around supper time.” The teacher retreated back down the stairs. “Well your majesty-” 

“Just Daichi please,” Daichi insisted. “It would make me feel too out of place.” 

 “Well Daichi,” his teacher began, “I’ll let you rest for today. Join us for dinner in time, and tomorrow I’ll ask my son to show you around the town.” 

Daichi nodded his head before slumping on the made bed. He was so tired that he slowly drifted to sleep. 

“Daichi-san…it’s dinner time,” a soft voice called to him as he started to awaken. He sighed and stirred a bit before feeling the gentle caress of a palm against his face. Daichi creaked his eyes open, seeing the hazy figure hovering above and silver locks falling in his face. “An angel?” he whispered slowly. 

Whoever it was laughed softly before removing their hand from the alpha’s face. Daichi slipped his fingers around a slender wrist yanking the hand back in his sleepy daze. He opened his eyes fully, taking in the beautiful smile that greeted his undeserving eyes. “Am I dreaming?” Daichi asked suddenly. 

“Nope!” the stranger replied casually, “Come down for dinner, I’ve made something special!” they said, skipping down the stairs. 

Daichi washed his face before entering. He saw his teacher at the table with two other place mats already set up. His eyes widened as he looked to the kitchen. 

It was there that he saw the dazzling face of his angel. 

“Ah Daichi, allow me to introduce you,” his teacher said, gesturing towards the kitchen. “This is Koushi, my son.” 

Koushi rushed from his place to the kitchen. “Nice to meet you Daichi-san!” he reached out his hand. 

Daichi blushed. “Oh the pleasure is all mine,” he said, and watched how Koushi’s brown eyes gleamed. “You said he was your son?” Daichi looked towards his teacher. He was expecting sensei’s son to be a large burly man much like the alpha men of the Northern kingdom. 

“Hard to believe I know,” his teacher laughed. “His mother was a real beauty, the flower of the village. Even I was surprised when she settled for me. Such a shame, she died when Koushi was only 3.” 

“I’m sorry…” Daichi said solemnly as he sat down at the table. 

“Don’t be. I couldn’t be happier that my beautiful boy is just like her.” 

Koushi wrapped his arms around his father's chair. “Father, you’re embarrassing me,” he grinned. “Daichi-san please help yourself to the food.” 

Daichi pulled a slice from the loaf of bread at the center of the table. He bit into the soft bread, and the flavors of the north instantly flooded his taste buds. He dipped it into the hot stew he had been served and helped himself to the tender meat of a chicken leg. The food was the best he had ever had, better than the royal food he had eaten since childhood. 

“Did you make this,” he asked Koushi. 

The silver haired man nodded. “Is it to your liking?” 

“It’s the best meal I’ve ever had the privilege of eating,” Daichi exclaimed. 

Koushi blushed. “You flatter me!” he said happily as he took his place at the table in front of Daichi. 

 “Koushi really does make the best food. As expected of my perfect son,” the teacher began, “Say Koushi, why don’t you show Daichi around town tomorrow, he’ll be staying with us for sometime.” 

“Oh, I would love to,” Koushi cheered. “I’ll take him to the square, Ah! But before that we could feed the cows down by the pasture, and then-” He moved his hand to his temple and scrunched his face in discomfort. 

“Is everything alright Koushi-san?” Daichi asked. 

“Yes I’m quite alright, but I’m afraid I'll have to retreat back to my room for tonight. Do forgive my rudeness Daichi-san,” Koushi said apologetically. As he quickly retreated up the stairs, Daichi sensed a burst of sweet pheromones coming from Koushi. An omega. 

“Don’t worry about him,” Sugawara-sensei said, “He usually gets like this when his heat time is near.” 

Daichi sucked in a breath. “Then is it really alright for me to stay here?” he asked slowly. 

The teacher got up to clean his dish. He put his hand on Daichi’s shoulder. “I take that you’re an alpha?”

Daichi nodded. 

“Well, I assume you know what self control is,” he came up close to Daichi’s ear, “Please take note that you are no longer the future king of the Southern kingdom while in my home. If you hurt my son, there’s no telling what I’ll do,” the older man whispered into his ears. 

Daichi shivered at his ice cold words. He let his breath go, then got up to wash his own plate. 

“I apologize for my words,” Sugawara-sensei started, “I do not wish to make an enemy of the southern kingdom.” 

“It’s quite alright, you make a significant point,” Daichi sighed. “I promise I won’t touch Koushi-san.” 

“I’m glad you understand,” the older man smiled. “Rest up. Tomorrow Koushi will give you a full tour of the village.” 

“I look forward to it.” 

Chapter Text

He was woken up to the sound of the rooster croaking. The sun peaked out from the mountains and a cold breeze crept into Daichi’s room. He shivered, but smiled as he brushed his teeth and washed his face. He dressed in the warm clothes he bought just for his trip. The southern kingdom remained in warm temperature throughout the year, so most of the time Daichi could remain shirtless or in thin clothes. 

He quickly ran downstairs where Koushi was waiting by the door. The omega was dressed in simple brown pants and boots. He had his silver hair in a long braid, tied off with a red ribbon. He wore a white cloak, and in his arms, he carried a basket of berries. Daichi couldn’t help but blush at how pretty he looked. 

“Come,” Koushi gestured to him. “Let’s get to the pasture before the animals wake up!” 

Daichi laughed as he was practically yanked by the hand. 

Their day out couldn’t be more enjoyable. First, they fed the pigs berries Koushi had brought along. Daichi almost blew his cover when he accidentally admitted he had never done it before. 

Next, they strolled through town as the omega pointed out various stores and shared stories about himself. Daichi wasn’t surprised that Koushi knew everyone in town, and that everyone knew him. He wrapped his arm around Daichi’s as they walked, and the alpha could sense the eyes on them. Especially the young men of the town, who stared him down as they strolled together. After all, an unmated charming omega would certainly attract the attention of many eligible bachelors. 

They stopped for lunch at a small establishment said to be run by a friend of Sugawara-sensei. Koushi ordered and paid for the both of them, something about Daichi needing to try various Northern delicacies. 

“How is it,” the omega asked with wide eyes after Daichi slipped the first bite into his mouth. 

“It’s great,” Daichi chuckled. 

“But?” 

He smiled, “But… Your cooking was better.” 

“Please,” Koushi scoffed before giggling and eating his own meal. “So Daichi-san,” he started. 

“Just Daichi is fine,” Daichi insisted. 

“Daichi,” Koushi started again, “I’ve been talking about myself the whole time. Let’s talk about you now. I assume that you’re not from around here?” 

Daichi cleared his throat. “Well, I’m 19 and I’m from the southern kingdom. My mother is from the west and my father is from the south.” 

“I’ve always wanted to go to the southern kingdom. Is it much different than here?” Koushi asked. 

“Certainly,” Daichi replied. 

“How so?”

“Well for one, it’s significantly hotter there than it is here. Every city is bustling and close together. There’s mostly desert for as far as the eyes can see and… clothing is less conservative,” Daichi looked around. “Maybe I’ll take you with me when I return after a year.” 

Koushi’s face lit up. “You mean it?” he said excitedly as he grabbed Daichi’s palms and brought them towards himself. 

Before Daichi could respond, a young waiter interrupted them. An alpha, who slipped his hand onto Koushi’s chair and gave Daichi a death stare as he asked them how the food was. The alpha released a burst of pheromones suddenly, making Koushi gasp. The sweet pheromones of the omega aggressively started to cloud the air around them, and Daichi immediately understood what had happened. Koushi was in heat, and Daichi needed to do something about it fast. 

Daichi shoved the waiter away quickly, and rushed to the other side of the table where he picked up Koushi who was close to passing out. Koushi wrapped his arms around Daichi’s neck as the alpha easily swept him up into a princess carry. Daichi rushed back home, exerting all self control when the omega started to nuzzle the scent glands at his own neck. He didn’t know how long it would be before he would lose his own composure. 

But luckily, he had handed Koushi over to his father just in time. Daichi rushed outside the house, catching his own breath and trying hard not to trigger a rut. After a few minutes, his teacher came out and Daichi bowed his head. “Is he ok?! I’m sorry,” he said slowly. “I didn’t know how to react, I-” 

“I don’t know how to thank you,” Sugawara-sensei said, relieved. “I can’t imagine what would have happened if you hadn’t acted as quickly as you did. I couldn’t be more indebted to you. ” 

“I did what any reasonable person would have done. But— I don’t think it’s safe for him to be so close to an alpha.” 

He paused. “I keep thinking back to that moment. I can’t help but wonder what I would have done… what I could have done to him if we didn’t make it back in time.” 

His teacher sighed. “As much as I would love to have you in my own home, I agree. It’s not safe for the both of you.” 

And so it was decided that Daichi would spend his time in the Northern Kingdom away from Koushi, and in a small cottage across town. He would walk to his teacher’s house in the morning and study throughout the day, only to return back in the night. Daichi went upstairs to gather his trunk from his room at Sugawara-sensei’s home. He passed Koushi’s locked door and noticed how he plugged the gap at the bottom of the door with cloth. Daichi suspected it was to mask his scent. Still, the wanton gasps and moans from behind the door were muffled but clear enough to be heard by the alpha. Daichi had read somewhere that heats could be painful and uncomfortable for unmated omega’s, and he wondered if it was like that for Koushi. The alpha in him wanted to break down the door, and help the suffering omega in any way he could, but Daichi banished the thought and exited quickly after he had gathered his things. 

He settled in the cottage, and for the next few weeks, everything continued as intended. Spring blossomed into summer, and Daichi felt a certain homesickness as the weather started to resemble that of the Southern kingdom. One morning, he was awoken to the sound of knocking at his door. He yawned and slipped out of bed. “Coming!” he shouted to whoever it was outside. His eyes widened as he was met by the sight of Koushi holding out a basket to him. 

“Koushi?” he exclaimed, “What a pleasant surprise!”

The omega blushed red when he saw that Daichi wasn’t wearing a shirt. The alpha darted back inside to dress himself and returned with his shirt not quite buttoned. Intentionally so, as he had noticed Koushi’s reaction earlier and swelled with pride. Having Hajime and Koutarou as brothers meant he was always shaken awake early in the morning to practice sparring with the two ruffians. He wouldn’t be quite as buff as Koutarou or shredded as Hajime, but all the practice had certainly defined Daichi’s already muscular body. “What brings you here?” he asked. 

“I- I made a tart,” Koushi stuttered. “I made you a tart. A strawberry tart actually, you know they’re in season and I thought I should give you this- well I wanted to give you this.” he rambled on before holding out the basket for Daichi to take as he looked down shyly. 

“Oh? Thank you! But I was going to come by the house in a little bit to see your father anyway. You really didn’t have to come all the way here,” Daichi said, setting the basket on his small table. 

Koushi sighed. “Actually… I wanted to talk to you. Can I come in?” 

“Uh,” Daichi looked back into his living space. He looked at the spread of half written letters to the royal family. “I’d love to invite you in, but I’ve got to clean up quite a bit,” he said quickly. “How about you tell me while we walk to Sensei’s. It’ll take a while.” 

Koushi nodded. Daichi quickly brushed his teeth and fixed the bed hair he was embarrassed to have shown the omega. He joined Koushi as they walked. “So what’s on your mind?” Daichi asked. 

“I wanted to thank you,” Koushi started, “For the other day.” 

“Oh,” Daichi said bashfully. “It was nothing much.” 

“No, but it was,” the omega said quickly. “It was the most anyone could have done in that moment, and you saved me.” 

“I’m just glad you’re alright,” Daichi smiled at him. 

“But there’s something I’m dying to know,” Koushi muttered. 

“Hm?” 

“How did you know I was in heat? I thought Beta’s couldn’t sense pheromones?” Then Koushi’s eyes lit up and he turned quickly to look at Daichi.

“Then… You’re an alpha!” 

Daichi chuckled. “Yes?” 

Koushi’s jaw dropped. “You’re an alpha and you could control yourself around an omega in heat?!” He rushed in front of Daichi, blocking his path. 

“Why is that so hard for you to believe?” the alpha laughed. 

“But all those stories that I hear, and the court cases… the ones about alpha’s pushing omega’s down and blaming it on instincts?” 

“Bullshit,” Daichi said coldly, “Blame it on lack of self control. Just another excuse for alphas to pin their own faults on omegas. Though I have to admit, I was close to losing myself as I carried you back home. I promise, I’m going to fix the laws soon, along with Wakatoshi-san. ” 

“Wakatoshi-san…Meaning Prince Ushijima Wakatoshi, the heir to the Northern crown?” Koushi asked, confused. 

Daichi’s eyes widened at his huge slip up. He had met Wakatoshi-san many times before when their fathers would gather for business. The two men had much in common, both being next in line to their respective kingdoms. But Daichi didn’t intend to reveal his true identity for fear of scaring away Koushi. He wanted to tell him eventually…but now was too soon. “I’m studying to become a politician,” he corrected himself. “I have plans to get close to the prince, as he will be king in a year or two. But what about you Koushi? What are your aspirations?” 

Koushi smiled. “You’re different Daichi… Would it surprise you if I said you were the first alpha to ever ask me that?” 

“Maybe a little.” 

They resumed their walk. “Well, I want to do many things,” he started, “I’ve never traveled outside the kingdom. I want to see the world… I want to see the modern west, the east, even the rest of the north. Or maybe, I’ll visit the southern kingdom. I’ve never seen the ocean outside of my father’s books, I’ll bet it’s beautiful. ” 

Daichi watched as the omega’s face lit up as he spoke. His already beautiful face looked more radiant as ever. Of course, beautiful omega’s were nothing special to a prince like him, but the one walking by him was something special. 

“I think that’s lovely,” Daichi said in awe. 

“Right?” He sighed, “But we both know it’s not possible.” 

“How so?” 

“Well, my father wants me to teach. It's my destiny, to carry on his legacy. Stay with him here, in this small town. I love him to death, but there’s just…” 

“So much more out there waiting for you?” Daichi said. 

“Exactly.” 

“Nothing’s impossible,” the alpha said firmy. “Destiny doesn’t exist.”

“Maybe so, but certain things are set in stone,” Koushi whispered. 

“Like what? Give me an example and I'll prove it wrong,” Daichi challenged. 

The omega was quiet for a moment, like he was thinking of an example. “You mentioned Ushijima-sama earlier,” he began, “It’s his destiny to become king. He probably couldn’t be anything else even if he wanted to. Just like you and I couldn’t suddenly become king or queen. It’s impossible.” 

“He doesn’t know how wrong he is,” Daichi thought to himself. 

“Keep your dreams big, Koushi. You’ll be surprised how close to impossible you can get.” 

Chapter Text

The alpha continued his daily lessons as usual. Spring was swept into Autumn which soon froze into winter. And as the seasons changed so did his relationship with a certain omega. Their long talks turned into daily occurrences. Sometimes Koushi would visit his home and they would walk back together. Other times, Daichi would offer to accompany him as he completed errands around town. These were moments the alpha cherished greatly, the ones he could look forward to the most. Koushi took his troubles away, and for a while, he had forgotten that his time with the sweet omega would almost come to an end. 

A letter had arrived one day, from his father, addressed to the future king of the Southern kingdom. As Daichi read, he was soon aware that he would be returning home in a month. Just one month to spend with Koushi and then… and then he would be gone from his life. Daichi was 21 now, meaning that when he returned, he would succeed the kingdom and be officially crowned. That’s right, the moment he had spent his whole life preparing for. He read over the rest of the letter, light headed as he glossed over potential marriage plans to wed the daughter of a prominent southern family. The thought distrbed him, but he couldn't figure out why. 

“Daichi, are you listening?” Sugawara-sensei’s voice sounded out. 

The alpha didn’t realize he had been spacing out. “Oh I-” 

“You’ve been out of it all day.” 

He sighed. “I’m sorry, it’s just… My mind has been a mess lately.” 

His teacher smiled. “Amazing how much snow there is this year.” 

“Sensei…” 

“Why don’t you take a break. Koushi was going to the lake for more ice, why don’t you accompany him?” 

Daichi nodded and left the room. He put on his coat and joined the omega. They walked side by side like always. It had become a habit; Daichi on the left and Koushi on the right. Neither of them spoke for a bit, and all that could be heard was the crunch of snow underneath their boots. Koushi awkwardly looked around. 

“You’re so quiet today, Daichi,” he said after a while of silence. “Is everything okay?” 

“I’m leaving… in 2 weeks,” the alpha spoke. He waited a few moments for an answer that never came. 

“My life will go on. And so will yours. Does it sadden you…” he started again, “That we may never be able to talk like this again?” Daichi hesitated again for an answer.

Koushi rushed ahead quickly before crouching by the floor as the snow wet the bottom of his dress. “Daichi look!” he cried out happily, pointing at something in the snow. 

The alpha looked closely at the snow, seeing two yellow flowers peeking out from the thick snow. They contrasted on the pale white snow, like the sun in a sky full of clouds. 

“Daffodils!” Koushi smiled. “It means that spring is coming. Look, how lovely they grew together. They could have grown anywhere,” he gestured to the vast plain of snow, “But they chose to grow right next to each other.” 

He looked at the omega's warm smile. His eyes crinkled shut and his otherwise pale cheeks and nose were flushed pink from the cold. He wondered how someone could look so content from something as simple as flowers growing together. Only Koushi. Only this sweet, lovely, kind omega. How he would miss that smile. 

And it was at that moment that Daichi had realized; A life without Koushi wouldn’t be much of a life at all. 

I love him. I love him. I love him so much. The alpha repeated in his head. 

Daichi reached his hand out and cupped Koushi’s cheek. His hand, cold against the omega’s flushed face as he stroked his thumb over the beauty mark under his eye. He watched his beautiful expression falter. Koushi’s eyebrows knit together, and he squeezed his eyes tighter. His smile faded away into a beautifully tragic frown. Then he sniffled, and hot tears left his eyes. Koushi buried his face into the alpha’s chest as Daichi held him close.

“I’m going to miss you so much,” he whispered softly.  

The alpha closed his own eyes and pressed his lips to the omegas forehead. They stared into each other's eyes for a moment. Then Koushi’s eyes drifted to Daichi’s lips, and they came closer. Slowly they closed their eyes and felt as the other’s breath fanned against their lips. Closer and closer. So close. Just a little- 

“Koushi! Daichi!” Sugawara-sensei’s voice yelled out. 

The teacher called towards the two. “Why are you taking so long?! It’s been an hour since…I thought something had happened!” 

Had it really been an hour? The two wondered. Koushi wiped his tears. “Coming!” he shouted back to his father as his voice wavered. They walked back together once again in silence, but hand in hand. They didn’t talk about what had just happened, instead just relished in each other’s company. But something was made clear that day. The waters they had been testing for the past two years, had finally become swimmable. It saddened the both of them to realize that it was too late to dive headfirst.  

Another week passed and the snow melted away. Two more days, and then Koushi would be out of his life forever. Daichi regretted that he couldn’t speak to him. He wanted nothing more to finally taste those lips. Koushi’s warm lips that had almost touched his own on the day by the lake. But he knew that he would never be satisfied with just that. Maybe it was for the best.  

It was late in the night, and Daichi was still working up, engrossed in his own work to get his mind off his more pressing matters. It was pouring outside and every now and then the low rumble of thunder would make him lose focus. There was a knock at the door, so soft it could barely be heard under the heavy rain and crackling of the fireplace. 

At this hour? Daichi rushed to the door and pulled the latch. He was met with the sight of Koushi, panting heavily and drenched in the freezing cold winter. He was hardly dressed properly, not even wearing a cloak. Or even shoes as Daichi had realized when he looked down. 

“Koushi! What happened?!” Daichi yelled as he pulled him inside. “Come, sit by the fire. God, you’re shivering.” 

Koushi slumped down on the rug in front of the fire. Daichi rushed by his side with a large shirt of his own. “Your clothes are soaked. Change into this, I’ll wait outside.” 

Koushi nodded while taking the shirt, and Daichi waited outside. When he was ready, Koushi opened the door again. Daichi rolled up the drenched rug and replaced it with the quilt on his bed. Then he brought some spare linens and wrapped Koushi in them before sitting by him. “You’ll catch a cold.” he said as he pressed his hand to the other's forehead. 

Daichi waited a moment. “Is everything al-” 

“Is it true… that you are Prince Daichi of the Southern Kingdom,” Koushi asked firmly. 

Daichi’s heart started to beat fast. He was stunned and stayed in silence for a moment. 

“I’ll take that you are,” the omega said softly, as he slumped his head between his knees. 

“I am,” Daichi said softly. “But how did you know?” 

Koushi sat up. “It’s been a suspicion of mine for a while now,” he said, his voice hoarse from the cold.  “I tried to convince myself that it wasn’t true to salvage my own feelings.” Then he paused.  

“My father saw us the other day. Embracing, And I told him I loved you.” 

Daichi’s face lit up. 

“When he told me not to get close to you, I asked why. Then he told me who you really were.” 

He felt like a guilty man. “Koushi, I meant to tell you… I really did.” 

“When?” the omega cried. “You’re leaving the day after tomorrow. Was it all a lie? Everything you said to me… That day we almost kissed. Were you just taking advantage of me?” 

“I could never!” Daichi raised his voice. “I love you Koushi! I’ve loved you since the day I met you. Everything I’ve said to you has been sincere, straight from my heart.”

“It’s too late for this now,” Koushi whispered, looking away in pain. 

He took Koushi’s cold hands in his warm ones. “It’s never too late,” Daichi pleaded. “Come with me. Back to the Southern kingdom. I will make you my queen. You just have to trust me.” 

Koushi looked at him with sudden shining eyes. “Of course I trust you. You, for god’s sake, the one who’s protected me time after time,” he hesitated. He looked into Daichi’s warm eyes, the gaze that could convince him more than any sweet words. 

“Okay,” he sighed softly. “I want to come with you Daichi. I love you.” 

They embraced for the second time, as the fire cracked and illuminated the room.  

“Daichi?” Koushi asked slowly. 

“Yes?” 

He licked his lips. “Can we finish where we left off that day?” 

The omega cupped his lover's face and brought their lips together. There it was, the moment they had been waiting for. Something they couldn’t do with anyone else but the other. That gentle first kiss, such a tender expression of love turned passionate. The sounds of their lips filled the room as Koushi pulled away to lay back onto the quilt. 

That sign, that Daichi had seen before, during his first ever experience with an omega. Only indicating that Koushi had intended for more than just a kiss. Daichi moved on top of him, in between the legs that had spread so invitingly to accommodate the alpha’s body. 

 They were both breathing heavily and Daichi connected their lips again, holding the omega’s cheek in his palm. Koushi moaned into the other’s mouth when he ran out of breath and stared into Daichi’s eyes when they parted. He threaded his fingers into the alpha’s short hair and pulled him down to kiss again. He stroked down the alpha’s neck and broad back until his fingers found the hem of Daichi’s nightshirt. He pulled it off slowly.  

Daichi broke the kiss, surprised by the bold gesture. “Koushi… are you sure?” he asked as he interlocked their fingers. 

The omega relaxed visibly. “I want you,” he breathed out as he cupped Daichi’s face. “All of you right now.”

Daichi sat up and looked down at Koushi. His silver locks were still damp from the storm, and he was sprawled out like an angel under the alpha. As beautiful as the day they first met. His flushed face and pink-kissed lips were illuminated by the soft light of the fire. He looked so lovely. Daichi trailed a ghostly touch down his body and grabbed his leg, examining the slender foot. 

“Your foot… There’s a cut.” 

“I ran here so quickly I forgot to put shoes on,” Koushi giggled.

“Does it hurt?” he asked as he lightly brushed the wound with his thumb. 

“A little,” the omega sighed as he let his head tip back. 

Daichi brought the omega’s foot to his lips. He licked over the cut causing his lover to gasp and pull at the quilt. He kissed his heel and dragged his lip to Koushi’s ankle, all while staring at the eyes that fluttered shut. 

The alpha stroked down milky legs before reaching the hem of his own shirt on Koushi. He looked to the young omega for permission, eyes pleading with patience and lust. When Koushi nodded, he slowly pulled the shirt up and off. The alpha stared at his beautiful lover in the room illuminated only by the light of the fire. Koushi panted heavily with anticipation; his small breasts, rising and falling to the gentle rhythm of Daichi’s own breaths. Pink nipples, hard and erect, most of all, so ready to be teased by the touch of his lover. His soft stomach and hips, and finally the apex of his core, hidden by his crossed thighs. Koushi shyly moved his hands over his breasts, but Daichi pulled his hands away and kissed his fingers. 

“Don’t cover them,” he said. “Show me and only me.” 

Koushi spread his legs slowly, exposing his sex and slipped his finger to spread himself. Daichi sighed and panted faster at the lewd expression. The alpha pulled off his own pants and underwear before settling between the omega’s legs. He kissed Koushi’s lips again before moving to his neck and ghosting over his scent glands. He cupped his soft breasts, feeling their tenderness under his fingers and how goosebumps littered Koushi’s skin when he slipped a bud in his mouth. The omega sighed and caressed his alpha’s ear. 

Daichi took it as encouragement to suck his nipples harder, eliciting the most passionate sounds from Koushi’s lips. He moved his tongue teasingly fast over the erect, sensitive buds and pinched one between the tips of his fingers. He kissed around the area lazily too, making sure that not an inch of the omega’s breast was left untouched by his lips. Then he snaked an arm around Koushi’s hips and teased his lips lower and lower. Down the omega’s soft stomach and across his hips that spasmed at a mere touch, from excitement and arousal. Finally, Daichi was in front of dripping folds. The crack of the fireplace was met with a lustful cry when the alpha’s lips kissed the omega’s clit and sucked lightly. 

Koushi was ruined as he pulled at Daichi’s hair, all while the alpha’s large palms held his jittery legs open. 

“Dai…chi,” Koushi stuttered out as he felt himself slip over the edge. 

Daichi was sure he had tasted heaven as Koushi came in his mouth. He tasted from the source for a while as he helped his omega finish. When he pulled off, Koushi was pulled apart and gasping for air. He looked to the alpha with blown pupils as if asking for something more.

“Please,” Koushi whispered. He pulled the alpha so that they were eye to eye again. “I need…,” he looked down at Daichi’s painfully hard member. 

“Of course my love,” Daichi smiled. 

He pushed their lips together before slowly pushing in until he was right to the hilt. Koushi broke the kiss to yelp into Daichi’s mouth at the stretch from his intrusion. Daichi himself paused to get used to the warm sensation around his member and let the omega adjust to his size. Their hips kissed as their lips found the other’s lazily again. Daichi started to thrust, and everytime he hit harder, Koushi moaned unashamedly. Sex by the fire made it all the more unbearably hot, and heightened the sensation, slow and passionate. 

The fire cracked loudly again as a bead of sweat rolled down Daichi’s nose and onto Koushi’s cheek. He watched as it slid down and caught onto his collar bones. The alpha bent down to lick it off and bit down lightly. Koushi cried out again and locked his legs around Daichi’s waist. He slowed his thrusts and rocked the other against him as he climaxed inside with a low whine. Koushi had orgasmed too, and Daichi pulled him onto his chest as they fell asleep to the warmth of the fire that had seemed to grow even brighter. 

Chapter Text

“Sugawara Koushi. What makes you think you have the right to marry into this family?”

Daichi hated this. Watching from above as the love of his life was ruthlessly questioned by the advisors of his father. The Southern King sat in silence at the highest chair of his court, along with the law makers seated around the room looking down with their cold stares. Daichi remained anxiously at his position next to his brothers and the queens. This was not at all what he had expected when he walked through the doors of the palace for the first time in 2 years. 

Truth be told, when he promised Koushi the life of a queen, he had mentioned it without truly thinking of the steps in between. As they walked in together, he didn’t know what to expect. It certainly hurt to see his own mother leave the room when he announced Koushi as his beloved, but he never would have expected his father to hold a high court meeting. Daichi clenched his jaw as his omega was questioned like a convict. He would have wished to remain at Koushi’s side if only his father hadn’t ordered him to remain quiet. “I am ordering you not as your father, but as the king of this land,” he had said sternly. 

“Are you so incompetent that you can’t think to kneel in front of the King of the Great Southern Empire!” an Advisor shouted suddenly. 

Daichi furrowed his brow as he watched his lover kneel before the court in humiliation. He wanted nothing more than to speak out, as an insult to Koushi would be as large of an insult to him. “I ask that the council remove whomever it was that spoke in such a manner,” The Southern King announced. 

Everyone present turned to the king and back to the council member who was being dragged out by the guards. “Please stand my dear,” he addressed Koushi who kept his head low in respect. 

“I have faith in my son’s judgment of character. I can see that you are also a very beautiful young omega indeed.” Daichi smiled at his father’s compliment to his future mate. 

“However, I must evaluate you as well. After all, Daichi is to be the next King of the Southern Empire. If it comes to it, you must prove to me that you can handle the responsibilities of a queen.” 

Koushi nodded. 

“Speak so that I may hear your voice.” 

“Yes, your Majesty,” Koushi said gracefully, unwilling to let his voice waver despite the tremendous pressure of the moment. 

“Tell me child, would you love my son even if he wasn’t a prince?” 

Without faltering, Koushi answered. “I had loved Daichi before I learned of his royal lineage. I fell in love with his optimism, his courage, his determination, and over all, his character.” 

Daichi blushed at the compliment, even smiling a bit. His father turned to him suddenly. “And Daichi. Would you leave the royal family if it meant that you could live with Koushi forever?” 

Koushi let out a noise of discontent at his words, and the whole court turned to look at him. He looked down, ashamed. 

“Absolutely,” Daichi said firmly, making the room erupt into murmurs. He watched as his father closed his eyes slowly. 

“Koutarou,” the Southern King addressed his second son, “Since your older brother would choose his heart over his nation, I can only say that you are more deserving of the throne.”

Daichi’s mother fell to the floor at this announcement. Daichi himself felt his chest tighten, but he stuck to his decision without thinking twice. 

“Father…” Koutarou said with uncertainty. 

“What do you say my boy? Want to be King?” 

“I…” he looked at Daichi with the most troubled expression. The oldest prince only smiled at his brother as if to give him the permission to accept. “I… Refuse!” Once again the room fell into a murmur. Koutarou spoke again, “The crown…it’s never been mine nor will it ever be. Daichi is the only one who can claim it. And even you know that father…” 

“Very well,” The Southern King said with the same uniform tone. “Hajime, the Kingship is yours  then.” 

“And I too cannot accept it, Father,” The third prince spoke. “I am simply inexperienced and far too unprepared. I apologize.” 

“Tetsurou?”  

“My answer remains with my brothers. I couldn’t possibly rule, Father,” the fourth prince said confidently. 

The king sighed and looked down at Koushi. “Quite the influence you have don't you? You’ve only been here for a day and yet you’ve managed to convince all my heirs to renounce the crown. I am almost happy that Daichi has selected you to be the next Queen.” He laughed. 

 “Then to the rest of my council, Please pose a solution.” He rubbed his temple. 

“Your majesty, if I may…” a young advisor stood from his seat. “Shoyo-sama is a child of the king and a member of the royal family…” 

“Indeed, but he is ineligible to succeed the throne since his mother is not of royal birth,” another council member spoke up. 

“And that is precisely my point. I must make it apparent that a marriage between the two does not stand as a threat to Daichi-sama’s rule,” he paused. “It does however prevent any children the pair may have from inheriting the throne.” There was a commotion in the court. 

“If indeed there is a union between Daichi-sama and Sugawara-san, the two are permitted to keep the throne. But the responsibility to produce the next heir would fall under the second born...Koutarou-sama.” 

“Koutarou,” the Southern king addressed the prince, “Would you agree to this condition? In order for your brother to wed this young omega, you would be required to marry another royal and produce an eligible inheritor. It will be an arranged marriage, you will have little say or choice in the matter.” 

Koutarou stood up. “Father, I can attest to the fact that my brother Daichi has never had much interest in love or lust. As we grew up together, he had always prioritized his work and studies over accompanying the rest of us to the entertainment houses.” He looked to his older brother. “To see him throw it all away for your blessing is enough to know that his heart beats only for Koushi-san. You have prevented him from standing by his lover, and it pains me to see him so helpless. Daichi will be the next king of the great Southern kingdom and therefore, it is my duty to serve him. But above all, he is my brother, and it is my only wish to see him happy.” He let out a deep breath. “Which is why… I would be more than willing to take on the responsibility of producing the next heir.” 

Daichi’s heart broke upon hearing his brother's words. He looked at him with a sorrowful expression, as if to apologize for robbing him of his right to finding love.  

“Very well,” the king said, “Daichi, as a result of your brother’s sacrifice, you are permitted to marry Koushi-san.” 

He let out a sigh of relief and smiled down at his lover. Koushi was grinning as well, but it was a melancholy smile, knowing how much Daichi had put on the line just to remain by his side. 

“However…” the king announced, “The two of you will only wed once Koutarou agrees on a bride and completes the engagement ceremony. Until then you will reside in separate quarters and are forbidden from congregating in the same room unaccompanied. You may not touch unless necessary. If I catch word that the rules have been broken, then Koushi-san will be forced to leave the palace and Daichi will resume his kingly duties to wed within royalty.”

The king’s word was always final. When the court was adjourned Daichi had sought out his younger brother. “Koutarou… how could you agree to such a condition so easily?”

He smiled, “It’s exactly as I said to the court. I am content knowing that your happiness can be achieved through this minor sacrifice. Brother, I do it out of love for you and your new queen, so please do not feel pity.” He put his hands on Daichi’s shoulders. “I know father has placed some unfair conditions, but fear not. I promise, I will find my bride as soon as possible so that you and your lover can wed.” 

Daichi could only admire how much his brother had changed in the last two years. Koutarou had always been a kind and likable man, but he never would have expected him to carry out such a large favor. He hugged him. “If there’s anything you ever need or want in the future, you must tell me. I will do everything in my power to make it possible. You have my word.” 

Koutarou laughed as he returned the embrace. “Of course..Now you should really go. Koushi-san must be waiting for you.” 

He nodded, and with a last acknowledgement, dashed away to find his love. Koushi was standing at one of the palace balconies, overlooking a nondescript garden below. He was holding a flower, a pretty pink peony, and Daichi watched for a moment as he brought it to his lips and kissed it. 

Koushi was beauty at its finest in Daichi’s eyes. Part of him wished he could commission a painter to capture the moment and the other part was glad that he had been the only witness of the lovely display. The omega had realized his presence, turning towards him and smiling. Daichi joined him at the railing, resting his hand next to where Koushi’s rested, and inching over to link their fingers. 

“Daichi… remember what your father said about touching,” Koushi warned as he pulled his hand away. 

The alpha sighed. “You’re right. It’s just… torture for me.” 

“I know, my love,” the omega whispered back. “I want nothing more than to be in your embrace right now, but just being able to remain by your side is enough satisfaction for me.” He kissed the flower again and held it out for Daichi to take. 

“Koushi, just say the word and I’ll leave all this behind. We’ve been holding back for two years already, we’ve waited too long for this and-” 

“Absolutely not,” Koushi cut him off. “This is your duty Daichi. You are the only one who can inherit the throne, even your brothers agree. You heard them at the hearing, they hold you to such high esteem. To let them down like that, it’s…” 

The alpha smiled. “Thank you Koushi.” He kissed the flower in the same place Koushi had. “Thank you for helping me see reality. I’m just so in love with you that I can’t think straight every time you’re in front of me like this.”

The other man blushed. “It’s the same for me too. The more you’re in my company, the more I find myself unable to keep my hands to myself. But your brother’s sacrifice will have been all for nothing if we aren’t careful. Let’s have some faith.”

“Forgive me for only thinking of my selfish pleasures,” Daichi lowered his head. “You’re my forbidden fruit Koushi…and now that i’ve gotten a taste it’s absolute torture to hide again. To keep our distance now after I’ve touched you,” he got closer, “and kissed you,” he hovered near the other’s ear, “and made love to you. It’s tormenting.” 

“Daichi…” 

“Ahem.” 

The startled pair turned around quickly to see the three princes standing behind them. They awkwardly averted eye contact and dawdled around upon interrupting such an intimate moment. Daichi and Koushi blushed red. 

“Um, hello…” the omega said shyly, bowing. “Ah!...your royal highnesses…” 

The princes looked to one another before bursting out into laughter.

“...Did I say something wrong,” he said anxiously to Daichi.

Daichi rolled his eyes. “Not at all, they’re just being jackasses.” 

“Jackasses!?” Tetsurou comically exclaimed. “All of a sudden we are jackasses just for wanting to meet our darling new brother-in-law.” 

“Shut up Tetsu,” Hajime sighed. “Listen, we were only laughing because you called us royal highnesses.” 

“Yeah,” Bokuto chuckled, “We’re practically family at this point, you can drop the formalities.” 

Daichi smiled and shook his head. “Koushi, these are my brothers: Koutarou, Hajime, and Tetsurou.” 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Koushi-san ,” Tetsurou drawled as he kissed Koushi’s hand. “Why someone as beautiful as you would settle for someone like him baffles me.” He bent down to whisper into the omega’s ear. “If this whole Daichi thing doesn’t end up working out, you're welcome to marry me instead.” 

“Hey!” Daichi grit his teeth, as he smiled sarcastically. “Have some respect for your older brother,” he spat as he kicked the other alpha hard in the shin. 

“Don’t listen to that flirty bastard,” Hajime said as he clicked his tongue. “I’m Hajime, I’m the third oldest, and I command the Southern military in the Eastern and Southern Kingdoms.” He shook Koushi’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” 

“Woah, way to tell him your whole life story Hajime,” Tetsurou snickered, before being whacked again, this time in the head. 

“And I’m Koutarou,” The second oldest prince went in for a hug, holding Koushi tight to his surprise. “Listen, I know that everyone has been quite rude since you arrived but we just wanted you to know that all of us are very happy to meet you.” 

Koushi returned the embrace. “Koutarou-san, if there’s anything at all I can do to thank you, please do let me know.” 

Daichi smiled, coming up behind Koushi. “I missed you guys. I mean it,” he said, “Your support means so much to me and Koushi.” 

“Of course,” Hajime laughed, “We wouldn’t have had it any other way.” 

“Well we’d love to stay and chat,” Tetsurou said as he slung an arm across each of his brothers’ shoulders, “But it looked like we were interrupting something earlier.” He turned back and winked before dragging the posse out the door. 

Daichi sighed as he leaned back against the railing of the balcony. “Sorry, if they made you uncomfortable. Those guys are always looking for ways to embarrass me.” 

“Not at all,” the omega giggled, “I always wished I had siblings, so to see that you and your brothers’ have remained so close even after two years apart. It’s lovely.” 

“They will be your brothers too,” Daichi grinned, “After all, we are to wed soon enough.” 

Koushi beamed. “Right. I will be waiting.” 

Chapter Text

When they were children Koutarou somewhat pitied his older brother. While he, Hajime and Tetsurou played pretend and goofed off as children do, Daichi would be undergoing special training and disciplinary classes to prepare him for his future. Even in the times that they all played together, Daichi had his limits. Forbidden from playing in the rain for fear of him catching pneumonia, forbidden from playing in the hot sun for fear of him getting a heat stroke, forbidden from swimming too far into the ocean for fear that he would drown…the list went on and on. 

Maybe it was the extreme discipline Daichi possessed that made his brothers think so highly of him. He obeyed their father’s every order without so much as a look of complaint, day after day, and he would do so for the rest of his life. 

Atleast, that’s what they all believed until he returned from his 2 year scholarly immersion to the Northern Kingdom with a pretty omega on his arm. Surely he was mad, Koutarou thought. To bring back a future bride without consulting the king, that too one who lacked any form of royal lineage. It was utterly preposterous! 

But he was proud of Daichi. It was a sign that he had gained the courage to finally break away from the confines of his first-born shackles. Koutarou watched as the brother he so idolized practically begged at their father’s feet for blessings to marry the one he loved the most. 

“Enough!” the Southern king had shouted, “We’ll settle this properly at the high court.” 

Anyone with eyes could tell that Daichi and Koushi-san were fated. Their eyes, both filled with unbearable pain and love as they fought for the rights to be together.

“Koutarou, would you agree to this condition? In order for your brother to wed this young omega, you would be required to marry another royal and produce an eligible inheritor. It will be an arranged marriage, you will have little say or choice in the matter.”  

He had made up his mind the second the question had reached his ears. Koutarou pondered often, Why did Daichi have to give up so much just because he was first in the birth order? They were only two weeks apart. How would it all have played out if he was born before Daichi? The thought made him shudder. Daichi had made the sacrifices that none of them had wanted and it would have been heartless to strip him of the one and only thing he wanted for himself. 

Maybe second borns should have to make a few sacrifices too. “I would be more than willing to take on the responsibility of producing the next heir.” 

Marriage, kids, love. These were subjects that Koutarou assumed would be far off in his future. He had only recently started to feel like his life was beginning. He and Hajime had enlisted in the Southern military and quickly rose up the ranks. Not because they had connections to the king, but because there simply was no one out there that could beat them in a fight. He was beyond honored when it was revealed that he would be the next commander of the Southern troops stationed at the borders of the Northern and Western kingdoms. 

Much like Daichi, he had spent much of the last few years away from home as well, securing borders, strategizing with various nobles, and risking his life on the battlefront to uphold his father’s promise to the kingdoms. Shortly after Daichi’s return, he resumed his work only to be called back in less than two months and informed that a potential bride candidate had been selected for his engagement. 

He sat with Tetsurou, enjoying morning tea in a gazebo surrounded by Koushi’s garden. It was a gift from Daichi, and the once barren plot had bloomed beautifully in the hands of the omega. 

Tetsurou handed him a stack of papers. “Here. Your future wife.” 

Koutarou skimmed through the various pamphlets, reading through various achievements, hobbies and birth charts. He stopped when he found a name. “Second prince of the Eastern kingdom, Akaashi Keiji.”

“So what do you think?” Tetsurou grinned. 

“He seems qualified enough to be a queen. Tetsu, is all this really necessary? I mean it says here that he’s fluent in over 30 languages and can play 15 different instruments.” 

Tetsurou laughed. “Well father entrusted me to find you a worthy bride so naturally I would search for the best of the best.” 

Koutarou sighed and flipped through the papers. “And to think that there’s not a single picture of him anywhere in this bunch of extra information.” 

“Hold on, What’s bothering you? If anything, a man should be proud to have such an outstanding wife.” Tetsurou waited for a response. 

He groaned into his hands. “The point of this marriage is to produce an heir. I just think that Keiji-san is a bit too…overqualified.” 

The younger alpha looked at his brother in disapproval. “So what you’re telling me is that you’d rather wed some royal whore who you can simply throw away after they spread their legs for you?” 

Koutarou was silent for a moment. In harsher terms, maybe that was what he wanted. “Look, all I’m saying is that Keiji-san deserves so much more than me. With all those qualifications he should be marrying a king or a duke. Someone who’s serious about him and can cherish him. I would feel like a serious prick if I reduced someone like him to his sex.” 

“Wow. Don’t you think that Koushi-san looks absolutely stunning in the Southern fashion,” Tetsurou exclaimed suddenly. 

He turned his head to see Daichi strolling into the garden alongside his beloved Koushi-san. They were deep in conversation but kept what seemed like a mile of space in between, careful not to break the king’s condition.

It was at this moment that Koutarou remembered his own promise. The reason he was getting married was not for himself or for Keiji-san. It was for his brother’s happiness. “Tetsurou, finalize a meeting date. I’ll marry Keiji-san.” 

Tetsurou smiled. “You won’t regret it.” 

The day came a lot sooner than Koutarou had expected. The palace had been decked out in shimmering fabrics and rare stones and every corner of every room contained some exquisite form of Southern flora. Bustling servants ran around, polishing each and every archway until the marble shined golden in the light of the sun. 

Koutarou put on his best garments, assisted by various maids who forcefully adorned him with flashy jewelry. He groaned, “Tetsu, do I really have to wear all of this,” he said, yanking on a chain that was particularly close to his neck. 

“Of course!” he chuckled as he watched his brother swat away a hand that attempted to retouch his slicked-back hair. He put his hands on Koutarou’s shoulders. “Remember, you are the star of the show today. So it would be nice if you could try to look a little bit presentable.”

“I’m just not a flashy guy,” he shrugged. 

The younger alpha scoffed. “With hair like this?” he said ruffling the silvery white locks, “Please, you were born flashy.” 

Koutarou rolled his eyes and headed for the door before being stopped again. “Not so fast,” Tetsurou sat him back down. “You’re trying to appeal to an omega, so I thought maybe we could get some insight from an actual omega.” 

His eyebrows shot up. “Don’t tell me…” 

The next following moments consisted of Koushi fixing various things about the alpha’s outfit and accessories. By the end of it all, he was glad the omega had stepped in when he did because Koutarou felt and looked ten times more like himself. The assortment of necklaces was mostly removed and small earrings were added in their place to frame his golden eyes. Koushi had also suggested he removed his shirt to show off the physique he had perfected over the years of extensive training. 

When he was finally ready, he and Tetsurou entered the ballroom where the meeting was to be held. His eyes widened when he saw that the room was packed with various royals from all over the country and abroad.

“Tetsu!,” he yanked his brother back outside, “What the hell is this!?”

The younger alpha stared blankly at him. “What the hell is what?” 

Koutarou raised his eyebrows. “What are all these people doing here? I thought this was just between the Eastern family and us.” 

Tetsurou burst into laughter. “You,” he wheezed, clutching his stomach, “Are you serious?”

When Koutarou didn’t respond, the other man only laughed harder. “How else would word of your bethrothal get out if we didn’t have a party to commemorate the occasion?” 

He blushed red. “Ugh, but I don’t think I could show my face in public if Keiji-san rejects me in front of this many people.”

“Well, it’s not Keiji who gets to do the rejecting. It’s whatever you say really.” 

He was baffled. “Really? But isn’t that really…unfair?” 

“Sure, but I don’t get how it concerns you.” Tetsurou said as he nudged his brother forward. 

 The attention was on him as Koutarou stumbled into the room, eyes following his every step and a round of applause as he claimed his seat by Daichi. He observed the room, wondering if all these people had anything better to do than to sit in on a union that didn’t even concern them. The alpha let his thoughts roam for a while, silencing the loud ambience of the party. Did Keiji-san really not get a say in the marriage at all? He wondered. What if Koutarou had been some abusive pervert? Or what if he was just plain ugly? Even then would his bride still not have the right to refuse? 

The doors to the ballroom opened suddenly drawing all gazes to the front of the room. A long, extravagant carpet was rolled out in a column on the floor as the Eastern royalty gracefully drifted in. They were beautiful, all of them Koutarou thought. Even some of the alphas possessed the allure, making it near impossible for the southern prince to point out his future bride. A young alpha around his age stepped forward with a wide grin. Koutarou recognized him of course as Suguru-san, the heir to the Eastern throne. 

“Daichi-san, it’s great to see you after such a long time. That too through these wonderful circumstances,” he stuck out his hand to offer the other a shake.

Daichi reciprocated, “I agree, Suguru-san, what a great way to strengthen relations between our two kingdoms. Our fathers must be proud that we took initiatives into our own hands.” 

“Indeed,” he squinted. “Ah, allow me to introduce my lovely wife, Mika,” he gestured to a beautiful brunette who joined his side. 

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, your highness,” Daichi said as he kissed her hand. 

“Come to think of it,” Suguru began again, “I caught word that you had acquired a pretty little face for yourself. I’m just dying to meet him.” He smirked wide, almost challenging. 

Koutarou remembered why Tetsurou hated Suguru, despite their relation by blood. He was a guy that particularly enjoyed provoking people and oftentimes taking advantage of those who were too kindhearted to bite back. 

Daichi simply smiled and laughed. “Of course Suguru-san, but all in good time.” 

What a man! Koutarou thought to himself, as he applauded his brother’s actions. He may have had to use his fists if it were him in the situation.

Suguru softened his expression. “Certainly on another occasion,” He signaled to a servant by the door, “For now, allow me to introduce my cousin, Keiji.” 

A figure appeared at the door, accompanied by a wall of maids. The room fell into complete silence as all heads turned to catch a glimpse of the prince. He was dressed in a stunning midnight blue gown, complete with a long train that made it look like he was walking on water. It mimicked the Southern style, in the sense that the blouse and skirt were separate pieces, but the fabric work and beading style was purely Eastern. He was covered in diamonds and pearls, woven into intricate patterns on the skirt that cascaded to sleeves that drooped from his shoulders. His neck was adorned with shimmering blue stones that rested against his slender shoulders to his prominent collar bones. His hips swayed in mesmerizing strokes as he came closer and closer. 

Koutarou’s breath caught in his lungs, and he found himself unable to do anything except focus his eyes on the beauty that was to be his wife. The only problem was that the omega wore a dark veil that covered his whole face. It went to the base of his neck and ran down his back, acting as a shield. Other party goers had noticed too, whispering amongst themselves as they judged his veiled appearance. 

When the omega had reached the rest of the Eastern Royals he bowed gracefully before a maid stepped forward. 

“His highness, Keiji-sama of the Eastern Kingdom,” she announced. There was a staggered applause, different from the one Koutarou had received when he first entered the room, as if the party goers were hesitant to pay their respects. There were even some disrespectful remarks that could be heard circulating through the crowd. 

“Poor thing,” a woman giggled to her friends, “So ashamed to give away an ugly omega that they decided to cover him up instead.” 

“Perhaps it’s just a bad hair day,” another voice chimed in. 

“Maybe he’s got acne?” 

“How embarrassing.” 

Daichi cleared his throat, silencing the crowd abruptly. “Now then, if both parties are here why don’t we proceed to the formal meeting.” He held out his hand for the Eastern royalty to follow. 

They sat in a secluded room, Koutarou and Keiji across one another on the floor and the rest of the family observing from the sides. Even before they had spoken a word, the alpha could tell the clear difference between Keiji and himself. He was positioned in a lazy half sit while Keiji maintained a perfect posture kneeling on his knees. 

“It’s an honor to meet you Koutarou-san,” he spoke, smooth as honey as he bowed his head in greeting.

Koutarou mimicked the manner. “Likewise Keiji-san, I have heard much about your many talents. You sound quite amazing,” He smiled, not knowing whether or not the omega could even see his face from the dark veil. 

It certainly confused him when Keiji didn’t even make an effort to respond. They sat in an awkward silence for a while before a woman from the Eastern party stepped forward to join the omega. 

“Thank you for the compliment Koutarou-san! Indeed Keiji has spent many years perfecting his many skills.” She paused, “You’ll have to forgive my son, it takes a bit of time for him to open up to new faces.”

“That’s understandable of course,” Koutarou reassured, “I’m a patient man I like to think.” There was a giggle from his brothers as they watched him put on his overly polite facade. 

Throughout the meeting, Keiji was shown off like a prize. He played instruments, recited poetry and even prepared ceremonial tea with the utmost precision and accuracy. What seemed strangest was the fact that he didn’t talk or make any form of communication unless asked by a family member. His mother was a different story, boasting about her son, oftentimes giving away too much information. It started with a conversation about children and motherhood, and led to the woman bragging about Keiji’s heats. 

“Ever since his first heat at 13, Keiji’s cycle has been constant. He’s never missed one, which means that he’s more fertile than any average omega. He’s sure to get pregnant on the first night,” she had said with confidence. Koutarou wondered if Keiji was blushing from embarrassment under his veil. 

As the time passed the question still hung high in the room. Why was the bride-to-be all covered up? Of course it wouldn’t have mattered all that much to Koutarou if his wife wasn’t the prettiest out there, but if they were going to be making babies it would certainly help to pass down some good genes. The entirety of the Eastern family was beautiful beyond comparison, so how could Keiji-san be any different? 

The omega’s attendant stepped forward, clearly to put an end to the looming query. “Your majesty if I may,” she started, waiting for the approval of Keiji’s mother. “Keiji-sama had requested to conceal his appearance due to a traumatic experience from his childhood. If it’s alright with you he’d like to remain covered for the rest of the meeting.” 

Koutarou was the one to speak up. “Of course, we can allow-” 

“That is quite unfortunate,” the cold voice of his own mother cut through. 

“Mom-” The northern queen raised a hand to silence his son. 

“My sincerity goes to you Keiji-san, Indeed childhood trauma is sure to arouse some bad memories.” He paused, “But you seem to be forgetting that this is a marriage meeting, and a request as such has no place being brought up here. Unless you have a specific  excuse as to why you cannot show your face I am unable to permit the veil.” 

There was a harsh silence that filled the room, neither party stirring or even making a single sound. The Northern queen spoke again, “I think we’ve all heard enough. You have shown off enough today, proven to us that you are a capable young man but perhaps it’s all to compensate for the lack of something else. I’m giving you a chance to prove me wrong here and now.” 

For the first time in the whole meeting Keiji acted on his own, summoning his attendant and whispering something into her ear. 

“But Keiji-sama you- Very well.” She addressed the Northern queen, “Your Highness, Keiji-sama says that he will lift the veil on one condition…That Koutarou-sama agrees to the wedding here and now.” 

“That is preposterous!” the queen shouted, “Do you take us for fools? There’s no way that we could-” 

“I agree,” Koutarou interrupted. “I agree to the marriage.” 

There was a stunned sound from both sides. “Koutarou, take it back,” his mother urged, “They are deceiving you, don’t-” 

He put a hand up. “Thank you for your concern, but I think I am more than capable enough to make my own decisions.” 

The northern queen fell back, silent at his son’s words. Well, maybe to the rest of his family it surely looked as if Koutarou was making a decision based on pure impulse, something he had done many many times in the past. But he had a plan. And the faster they could get through all the formalities, the faster he could secure Daichi’s happiness. 

Keiji’s mom spoke swiftly, “Um well then as per the deal,” she gestured to the attendant, “Please help him remove the veil.” 

This was the moment they had all been waiting for. At last, they could pin a solution to the red-hot question as to what was wrong with Keiji’s face. All the attention was on the omega as the attendant lifted the ends of the veil slowly.

Koutarous eyes grew wide as the omega’s face was revealed to the room. An elegant jaw was the first to come into view, followed by plush red lips. His nose was small and sharp and his lashes were long and delicate. His hair consisted of soft, dark curls that ended at his chin and was decorated with white chrysanthemums and pearls. Keiji was stunning, incredibly so, and it was clear to see that most people in the room believed the same. 

The alpha stopped breathing when dashing blue eyes gazed up to look at him. Keiji’s eyes could speak louder than any words could, with sheer intensity that could have pierced through his soul. Eyes that were icy cold, like the jagged spikes on the wintry lakes of the Northern Kingdom. But Koutarou didn’t sense any malice behind them, more helpless than anything. They seemed to cry out to him, begging him for mercy. It was merely for a split second though, before the omega reclaimed his gaze to the floor. 

“It seems that I owe you the most sincerest of apologies, Keiji-san,” the northern queen began. “You have both my favor and my blessings.”  

The Eastern royals left shortly after the meeting had ended, leaving the young omega prince with his “new family”. Koutarou felt bad for his future wife, having to adjust to a completely new life with strangers such as himself. Away from his family and friends, with a new home, a new title, and even a new attendant. The alpha had decided that he would be the one to assure Keiji that everything would be alright, that they could live the rest of their lives coexisting in contractual happiness. 

Evening had fallen by the time Koutarou could muster enough courage to approach his bride. It would be their first private conversation, so of course he had to make the greatest first impression. Consequently, the thought of messing up phased him far more than any foe on the battlefield. He walked the path to the omega’s quarters, located in the guest estate, a ways south of his own room in the main palace.  

He knocked at the door to his room lightly before it was opened by the omega’s new attendant. “Koutarou-sama!,” she gazed wide-eyed before paying her respects with a bow. Then she retreated back inside, presumably to inform the omega. 

“Keiji-sama,” she could be heard quietly from inside, “You have a visitor.” 

The alpha eased in a moment later, pushing aside sheer curtains to state his presence. The omega was seated by the balcony, looking out at the night sky. The full moon illuminated the room, contrasting against the golden light of the candles with a slight blue shimmer. It reminded Koutarou of Keiji’s eyes. 

He claimed a seat across from the omega, wishing he had composed his thoughts properly before arriving. 

“I had been so preoccupied with today's agenda that I had forgotten to glance at the sky. The full moon is lovely isn’t it?” Koutarou cringed when the words left his mouth. It sounded forced, too romantic and out of character for someone like him. Maybe if it had come from Tetsurou or Daichi it would sound more like a whisper of love than just a stated fact. 

It embarrassed him further when Keiji didn’t even look his way, let alone bother to respond. From the looks of it the omega had cleaned off his makeup and changed into his night clothes, a sheer gown with a shawl to preserve his modesty. He looked beautiful still, maybe even more so Koutarou thought. 

“You’re not much of a talker are you,” he chuckled to break the silence. 

Clearly his words had displeased Keiji with the way he turned to look at him, staring him down with eyes, steel like the blade of a sword. The omega shifted his gaze to his attendant, who left the room promptly at his request. 

“Does my demeanor displease you?” 

A voice, soft like silk, but a tone, much like the dagger hidden under it.

“Whatever could make you think that?,” he quickly corrected. “I only wanted to hear your voice-”  

Keiji stood up erratically. “How could you agree to such a pointless condition!?” he lashed out suddenly, startling the alpha. 

Before Koutarou could respond, Keiji became hysterical again. “I had thought for sure, there wasn’t a single good for nothing alpha who could accept a ridiculous condition such as mine. But you…” His chest heaved under his nightgown. “You’ve ruined everything!” 

Tears filled his eyes, streaming down red cheeks as he bolted out of the room and away from Koutarou, leaving a stunned alpha in utter confusion. 

Chapter Text

Keiji never meant to cry, in fact, he deeply resented the fact that he did. But when the feelings he had dammed up began to seep through the cracks of his resolve, he couldn’t stop the tears that filled his eyes. It was uncharacteristic of him to say the least, as he had trained himself to suppress each and every feeling that brought out the weakness inside him. The omega inside him.

It wasn’t like he hated himself for being born as one—though it did take quite a while for him to come to terms with the identity. It was an inconvenience to be an omega, something that would come to cause Keiji great misfortune time and time again.

His mother had been a concubine of the eldest Eastern prince, the only beta woman in a harem of omegas. She took immense pride in her beauty and even greater in the fact that she had birthed the first grandchild of the King. 

It was his very birth itself that became the first injustice to ever befall the young prince. If he had only known then that the denial of his firstborn status would torment him in all the years to come. He was concealed for months, hidden away from the public and the rest of the royal family until Suguru, “a more suitable heir” as his grandfather would have put it, was born. 

Before he was made painfully aware of certain societal dictations, Keiji had wondered throughout childhood why Suguru was fitter to rule the kingdom than him. The young omega was smarter, braver, and surely more talented than all the other children of the Eastern king combined. At merely ten years old, he innocently asked his grandfather what exactly made him ineligible to inherit the throne. 

“You’re an omega Keiji. It may be hard to see right now, but come a few years and the differences between you and Suguru will become clear as day.” His grandfather had said to him with great sympathy. 

The conversation was like a splash of ice-cold water to his face. But shocking as it was, it pushed Keiji to uphold his reputation, to stay at the top, the best of the best. He perfected his many talents over the years, discovering new ones along the way. His favorite: the art of combat. 

At the age of twelve, on their way to etiquette lessons, Keiji and the rest of the royal children had caught sight of the Eastern soldiers sparring with swords. Suguru and the rest of his alpha posse watched in awe as the warriors moved swiftly, dodging each attack the other sent forward. The way their swords clashed, accompanied by a burst of sparks like a solar flare and that satisfying swish of metal against metal. Keiji was entranced as well, with the speed of it all coming to a closing halt when one of the soldier’s advances struck the leg of the other. Perhaps what appealed the most to the young prince was the sheer look of triumph on the victor's face, the full tooth smile that followed the cry of conquest.

 Keiji wanted that look more than anything. He wanted to dominate. Prevail. To beat the alphas in a pastime that reeked of testosterone and egoism. Show his grandfather and everyone else that an omega could be all that an alpha could if not better. It was the perfect plan. 

But a plan that Keiji found to be quite difficult to orchestrate. Firstly, he couldn’t find a partner that was willing to practice with him. Suguru had turned him away from the second Keiji so much as looked his way, and it wasn’t like the omegas were any more willing. He practiced on his own for a while, using a wooden sword he managed to bribe out of a young foot soldier in training. Keiji observed the masters from behind the bushes of the military training grounds, learning the right ways to twist his body, the stance that drew out the most power from behind the sword, and the proper grip to withstand attacks from a competitor. 

Not long after, he crept away from the bushes and began sparring with the soldiers at the cavalry base. Of course, the whole kingdom knew of the beautiful omega prince with long raven locks and eyes like a summer’s day, so he disguised himself strategically. Keiji’s hair was the first to go, cropped by his nape so that it wouldn’t interfere with his swordsmanship. This deeply angered his mother, for she believed that it took away the slightest ounce of his femininity, although the omega remained breathtakingly stunning nonetheless. Whilst fighting, he wore black contacts to conceal his diamond-mine eyes. 

He quickly gained skill, finding new strengths in the ones that he lacked. Surely it was unrealistic to believe he could beat an alpha in a test of strength, but he diligently polished his stamina, agility, and speed. Eventually, there was not a soul in the entire Eastern army that was able to beat him in a fair match. 

It seemed that everyone in the royal family had caught notice of Keiji’s newfound talents. He had always been praised for his intellect, musical and linguistic skills, and more often than anything, his beauty. But it was a new type of honor to finally be recognized for his swordsmanship. For the first time, it felt as if his secondary gender placed second to his accomplishments. 

However, this pleasure was short-lived. The Eastern king was furious upon being proven wrong, and he despised his grandson for inflicting the humiliation. He loathed the whispers that seemed to resonate beyond palace walls, questioning why Suguru had been kept as the heir when someone as beautiful and capable as Keiji was around. He simply needed to get rid of the omega. 

Opportunity struck conveniently at the arrival of Prince Tetsurou and his mother, on a visit to their relatives East. The Southern prince had expressed interest in finding a suitable bride for his older brother; Ideally, one of Eastern descent to strengthen relations between the two kingdoms. It was almost too good to be true. The perfect way to rid the King of the burden that was Keiji. He offered his omega grandson without an ounce of remorse. 

When word of the agreement reached Keiji’s ears, he was more than enraged. It was his biggest fear, to be tied down by marriage, especially one that didn’t include even a word of his consent. Even if the throne could never belong to him, there was not a chance that he would ever give up the one thing most important to him: his freedom.

And so the omega prince came up with a plan to be enacted along with his best friend and attendant Yukie. It was inspired by the gossip heard in their shared circle of omegas. Word of an unremarkable family attempting to conceal the appearance of their disfigured daughter in an attempt to trick a politician's son into marrying her. 

He was to wear a veil over his face to make it seem that there was something strikingly wrong and worth hiding. Surely an ugly wife would disgust even the most mundane of men, let alone an alpha prince of the Southern kingdom. 

To sell the notion even further, he personally altered his marriage profile, a complete list of activities and accomplishments that had been compiled over the years by his mother, which purposely failed to include any word of his interests in combat and sword fighting. He removed every portrait of himself and even every text that so much as mentioned the breathtaking appearance of the second Eastern prince. When the “corrections” were completed, he had the whole thing shipped to the Southern Kingdom with high hopes. 

The dreaded day of the exhibition grew closer and closer until finally, Keiji and a handful of Eastern royals began the journey to the shimmering Southern kingdom. He was accompanied by his mother and Yukie, who would act as his servant for the day and help him ensure that their plan ran smoothly. Suguru was sent along to oversee the whole thing, something about needing to build alliances with the young royals for the future and prosperity of the Eastern kingdom. 

Keiji donned the veil as soon as he stepped out from the carriage, cautious as to not let even a foot servant see his face. As the Eastern family entered the palace, they were greeted by Tetsurou who welcomed everyone warmly. Everyone except for Suguru, and it was all certainly intentional. The two alphas had butted heads ever since childhood, and the coldness they showed each other was just regarded as routine. 

One of the many reasons Keiji genuinely liked Tetsurou was for his ability to see through bullshit, and Suguru was full of it. Another reason being that the alpha didn’t poke his nose where his business didn’t lay. Though he cocked his head when Keiji walked in wearing the veil, he didn’t once open his mouth to question it. 

It took hours for Keiji to get ready for the big moment. Hours were spent enhancing his perfect features and adorning his hair in exquisite gems and flowers. Further, decorating his body in the finest jewelry and dressing him in the most beautiful of gowns. By the end of it all, he looked like a goddess, descended from the heavens. 

He glided into the ballroom when it was his time, paying no mind to the whispers of disgust and confusion that echoed in the audience. It didn’t phase him in the slightest, for he knew he could humble the entire room with a simple slip of the veil. 

Keiji played his part throughout the night, entertaining and acting as the perfect omega bride he was meant to be. But alas, the height of his plan had yet to play out with neither royal family ever mentioning the veil. He needed to provoke an answer, and quickly. 

Luckily, Yukie and he had rehearsed almost a hundred different scenarios to ensure that their plan would play out hitch-free. She stepped forward humbly at Keiji’s signal, bowing before speaking. 

“Your majesty if I may,” she started, waiting for the approval of Keiji’s mother. “Keiji-sama had requested to conceal his appearance due to a traumatic experience from his childhood. If it’s alright with you he’d like to remain covered for the rest of the meeting.” 

The trap had been set, perfectly executed by the one and only Yukie Shirofuku. Now all Keiji had to do was wait. 

The trigger was pulled at the exact moment the Northern Queen silenced his son. He outwardly stated his distaste for the veil, demanding that Keiji remove it instantly. 

“I’m giving you a chance to prove me wrong here and now.” 

Keiji called Yukie to his side, beckoning her down to whisper in her ear. “Just like we rehearsed,” he said to her silently, “We’re so close.”

She nodded, changing her expression frantically and selling the part.

“But Keiji-sama you- ! Very well.” She addressed the Northern queen, “Your Highness, Keiji-sama says that he will lift the veil on one condition…That Koutarou-sama agrees to the wedding here and now.” 

Keiji smiled slightly. It was quite possibly the most far-fetched of conditions he had come up with, more laughable than anything. At last, he could return home, and work towards the future he had dreamed of his whole life. 

“I agree. I agree to the marriage.” 

Keiji couldn’t remember the rest of the evening very well. His family left after the meeting, retreating to the Eastern Kingdom and taking his beloved Yukie with them. He refused to cry in front of her although she sobbed uncontrollably in his arms when they said their goodbyes, crying that she’d rather kill herself than part from her best friend. He consoled her, thanked her for helping him, and promised that he would visit as many times as possible. 

There was even a party to celebrate the union of the two families, but the omega couldn’t recall a single one of the many faces that came to congratulate him. Keiji was shown to his new temporary home, a beautiful estate separate from the main palace but still within the grounds. Maybe he’d come to appreciate it in due time, but in his current state of mind, it pained him to think optimistically. From his balcony, he stared out emptily into the night sky thinking of how ecstatic his grandfather must have been upon hearing the “good” news. 

His new attendant tried her best to welcome him with kind words and patience, but she was a stranger regardless. Keiji ignored her conversation, even choosing to undress and wash without her help after the festivities were over. He refused her further, even while painstakingly plucking the thousands of embellishments from his hair. 

There was a knock at the door late into the night, while Keiji was still awake. He had tried to get some sleep but quickly resorted back to staring at the moon in an attempt to ease his foul mood. 

“Keiji-sama,” she said hesitantly, “You have a visitor.” 

He clenched his jaw as he sensed the presence of his new fiancée stepping into the room. The sound of careful footsteps became louder as the Prince padded into the room.

“I had been so preoccupied with today's agenda that I had forgotten to glance at the sky. The full moon is lovely isn’t it?” The alpha said after a while as he took a seat across from Keiji. 

The eastern prince was in no mood to talk about the moon, especially not with the man who so plainly snatched away his freedom like it was his, to begin with. The omega had believed it impossible to loathe another alpha more than his own grandfather, and yet Koutarou claimed the spot so easily. Perhaps if he kept quiet, his unwelcome visitor might leave. 

“You’re not much of a talker are you.” 

Keiji could feel his pulse quicken as the anger began to surge in his veins. He clenched down on back teeth to prevent himself from pouncing on the alpha and attacking him there and then. The omega steadied himself, turning for the first time to look at the prince’s ridiculous expression. He darted his gaze to his attendant who shivered and scurried away at the sheer viciousness behind his eyes. 

“Does my demeanor displease you?” Keiji said submissively as he lowered his lethal stare to the floor. 

The other visibly panicked. “Whatever could make you think that?” he quickly corrected. “I only wanted to hear your voice-” 

Keiji felt something snap within him. Such pathetic words from an even more pathetic man. He stood up faster than he could formulate thoughts, snarling out what he had been thinking the entire night. “How could you agree to such a pointless condition!?” 

The prince was stunned, visibly so, with how quickly he widened his eyes. Keiji was unrestrained, his heart pounding uncontrollably as pure hatred flooded his senses. “I had thought for certain, there wasn’t a single good-for-nothing alpha who could accept such a ridiculous condition as mine. But you…You’ve ruined everything!” 

For the first time since they had met, he stared into Koutarou’s eyes. Keiji had never seen a color quite like his before, pure shining gold like the scorching sun itself. They burned into his very soul and the iron shield he had built around his heart for years began to melt rapidly under the alpha’s golden irises. 

To his horror, Keiji began to tremble. His lip quivered and unfamiliar hot tears blurred his vision. His face burned from the frustration and his breath quickened. The sensation, something he hadn’t felt in over a decade. Koutarou’s eyes picked him apart piece by piece exposing feelings he had been bottling up since childhood. 

Keiji’s conscience reprimanded him. Scolded him for showing weakness in front of the one man he couldn’t bear to lose to. His head pounded and his chest heaved and finally, an endless stream of tears bolted freely down his cheeks. The young omega couldn’t bear the humiliation and ran out of the room faster than his thoughts could catch up. He pushed past carved wooden doors and into the gardens that surrounded the guest estate. The granite floor was cold under his bare feet while the breeze from the Southern sea threaded itself through Keiji’s hair and whisked away his shawl as he sprinted further and further away from his room. 

He found his way to a grand stone pavilion overlooking the vast seascape, magnificent as ever with the way the full moon kissed the water's edge and reflected about the surface in silver rings. Keiji stopped inside, keeling over a bench as his vision blackened, and his stomach twisted in knots threatening to spill. He felt physically ill, shaking erratically and unable to control the sobs that clogged his lungs and made it impossible to breathe. 

“Oh my!” a soft but panicked voice came from behind him. The sound of frantic footsteps got louder and suddenly Keiji felt the gentle rub of a soft palm on his back. Whoever it was set a lantern on the bench and kneeled beside him. “Are you alright?” they said soothingly by his ear. 

The omega turned, teary eyes widening when the most ethereal of presences came into view. He was similarly dressed in a white nightgown with silver locks glowing in the light of the moon, and inviting brown eyes. “ An angel?” Keiji thought in his daze as he put his arms around the other and collapsed into their lap without thinking. 

“Come, let’s go inside,” he said, draping Keiji with something warm. “You’ll get sick dressed like this.” 

Keiji let himself be led by the stranger through exquisite gardens and into a smaller chateau lit by candles. They ended up in a simple room, clean and furnished with a bare mattress and dresser. The other omega sifted through a closet, pulling out blankets and pillows to add to the bed. He led the prince to lie down, sitting by his side for a moment. 

There was something so absolutely soothing about his pheromones Keiji thought. While his own were powerful, often too overwhelming at times as a reflection of his dominant omega status, the other’s were pleasant and gentle. They appeased Keiji’s mood the more he was surrounded by them. 

The stranger shifted off the bed, leaning down to whisper in Keiji’s ear. “Try to get some sleep. My room is next door, so wake me up if you need anything.” As he started to walk away, Keiji panicked and grabbed his hand on impulse. 

“Please…” he choked out, his voice hoarse from sobbing, “Can you stay with me?” 

He cringed at his patheticness. Asking a complete stranger to spend the night with him was the last thing he could see himself doing. Regardless, Keiji felt relief wash over him when the omega smiled and got under the covers with him. He moved so that Keiji’s head could rest in his lap, and his soft fingers stroked dark curls gently. The prince felt himself being slowly lulled to sleep.  

When Keiji awoke the next morning he groaned, feeling nothing but shame. His head ached and his face was red and swollen from the hours of non-stop crying. He winced when sunlight poured into the room, irritating his tired eyes. He felt around the sheets, reassured to find that they were cold and empty. The omega was grateful that he could avoid explaining himself to the kind stranger first thing in the morning. He turned to look in the dresser mirror by the bed. His hair was tousled, and his nightgown, wrinkled and falling from his shoulders. Keiji was a mess. 

He got up, pulling at his features to fix his haggard appearance before apologizing for his behavior. The omega left the bedroom, creeping down a hallway and following the smell of food that wafted through the space. He ended up in the dining area where the familiar silver-haired stranger was busy in the kitchen. 

Keiji cleared his throat. “Um… Thank you for taking me in last night. I’m sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused,” he said hesitantly, with eyes cast toward the floor. 

The stranger turned around. “Why, it was no inconvenience at all,” he smiled, “Did you sleep alright?” 

“Well, yes but-” Keiji noticed the omega’s gown and the prominent stain on the white silk from his tears and snot. He flushed red, bowing 90 degrees promptly. “My sincerest apologies for your nightgown. Please allow me to reimburse you for it.” 

“This old thing? Oh, don’t concern yourself, it was old anyways. And you need not be so formal with me,” the other giggled, “It feels…odd.” 

“But we are strangers, are we not?” 

“Well, yes we were,” the brown-eyed omega said, “But after last night, I’m not sure I can say the same.” 

Keiji blushed.

“Never mind it though,” the other began again, “You must be exhausted. Join me for breakfast?” 

He hesitantly took a seat. “Are you always this kind to the people you find sobbing in your gardens,” Keiji asked genuinely. 

It made the other laugh. “To be fair, I don’t get many visitors around here anyways.” He put a plate of something that smelled heavenly in front of the black-haired prince before taking the seat in front of him. 

“Well, they’re certainly missing out,” Keiji almost sighed as he put the first bite into his mouth. “If it’s alright with you I’d like it if we could start over. I’m Keiji.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Keiji-san, I’m Koushi,” the other omega beamed. 

Koushi. Keiji was sure he had memorized all the names of the Southern royals, but the omega’s didn’t seem to ring a bell. He must have been a visitor, an ambassador from the Northern Kingdom perhaps, Keiji thought. It would explain the lack of servants around the home. 

There was a knock at the door, and Koushi draped a silk stole over his shoulders before speeding over to answer. Keiji could make out a few voices; one, to his surprise, being his cousin Tetsurou, another belonging to Koushi, and the last, familiar but unrecognizable to his ears. The voices got closer as footsteps could be heard making their way down the hall. 

It was none other than Prince Daichi himself who waltzed into the room side by side with Koushi, gaze soft and locked on the omega who returned his glances. He looked towards the table, catching a glimpse of Keiji and adjusting himself with wide eyes. 

“Good morning Keiji-san,” Daichi said, lowering his head courteously. “Ah, and I see you’ve met Koushi already. How wonderful,” he smiled. 

The silver-haired omega glanced at the Southern prince and then back to his new friend. “Daichi, you know Keiji?” he asked curiously. 

Koushi? Daichi? Just how important was Koushi that he could be on a first-name basis with the future king of the Southern Kingdom? Keiji wondered. 

Tetsurou joined in to answer the omega’s question. “Keiji is a prince of the Eastern kingdom which makes him my cousin. Oh, and also Koutarou’s fiancée as of yesterday.” 

Koushi’s confused expression evolved into something frantic as his eyes went large, suddenly. “You are Koutarou’s-!” he shouted suddenly, looking towards Daichi as if to get his confirmation. “And a prince at that! To think I was addressing you so casually.”

The omega walked over to Keiji, bowing so fast that all in the room could hear the crack of his spine. “My sincerest apologies, your highness,” he said ever so politely. 

Keiji couldn’t control the laughter that left him at the other’s actions. It was the first time he had laughed in years. Genuine, unbound laughter. 

“You amuse me Koushi,” he giggled. “But as you said earlier…You need not be so formal with me.” He took the other omega’s hands in his own. “We are friends, are we not?” 

Koushi smiled with a beautiful expression. “Indeed we are, Keiji.”

Though he wished to feel the comfort of Koushi’s company eternally, Keiji knew he had well overstayed his welcome. “Forgive me, but I should take my leave now. Certainly, my attendant will worry.” 

He excused himself, stepping into the sunlight of Koushi’s garden as he attempted to navigate back to his room. 

“Keiji-san, wait!” Daichi called after him suddenly, running to catch up. 

The omega cocked his head to the side, straightening. “Is something the matter, Daichi-san?” 

The alpha pursed his lips before speaking gently. “Koutarou told me about last night.” 

Keiji held his breath. “Did he?” 

“I am unaware of the exact details but… my brother says he will not allow wedding preparations to commence until you agree first.” 

Keiji waited a moment. “ He did? ”

Chapter Text

 On an early spring day, Keiji was getting ready to tour the port towns of the Southern Kingdom. The omega had yet to venture that far out into the Southern capital, so his excitement had been building up ever since Koushi proposed that the two of them explore together. Weeks had passed since his arrival in the Southern Kingdom and slowly, he had begun to adjust to the new way of life.

 His friendship with the other omega made it all the more bearable to be away from his home, as the two spent hours of leisure in each other's company. They shared meals frequently, read books together, went for strolls, and in the process, Keiji even started to enjoy the time spent. 

But every now and then, at the sight or mention of a certain Southern Prince, Keiji was reminded of his situation. Circulating within the palace walls was anticipation and talk of when the royal wedding would be, though it was more confusion than anything because if Koutarou had already agreed then why hadn’t the festivities begun? At least, that was what Keiji assumed they thought, nobility and servants alike. 

Though he would never admit it, Keiji was beyond grateful that the decision had fallen into his hands. He certainly needed the time to mentally prepare himself for the years to come. Koutarou had left him alone for the time being, but the omega was unsure just how long he could stall. Sooner or later, the alpha would become impatient and either coerce him into the marriage or simply take him by force. 

He filled with dread at the thought, choosing to put it off yet again as he snuck out in a simple blue gown to meet Koushi outside the palace gates. He climbed into the carriage, smiling at the familiar face of his friend. 

Koushi giggled. “I’m surprised your attendant let you get away this easily.” 

“Well, it’s almost as if I failed to inform her in the first place,” the dark-haired omega smirked, holding his index finger to his lips. 

“My god, Keiji! You’ll give the poor woman a heart attack one of these days with your antics.”

He laughed. “Can’t I have a little fun once in a while?” 

Koushi shook his head. “More like every day,” he sighed. 

The two arrived at the bustling ports of the Southern empire, teeming with merchants from all over the continent and even beyond the horizons. Keiji watched in awe as the golden rays of the sun bounced off the glistening waves and projected onto the various jewels, pots, vases, brasses, glasses, and exquisite fabrics displayed in cloth stalls. Extravagant ships docked into the harbor and hundreds and thousands of sailors pranced about, pulling various ropes, carrying barrels and boxes of goods, singing, and engaging in merrymaking. 

Koushi pulled Keiji along as they stopped by each stall, admiring each curious product the sellers had to offer and blowing money on even the most mundane of objects. Of course, negotiating prices was merely child’s play when it came to the two ethereally beautiful omegas, who were able to convince most of the young male merchants to eliminate their prices completely. 

As they moved further along, Keiji observed the heart of the city. Children were running and playing through the chaotic streets, laughing as they bumped head-first into passersby without a care in the world. There were restaurants lined up one against the other, with the scents of spices and salts from all parts of the country drifting about in an appetizing blend. Omegas in multistory buildings strung clothes up on intricate cradles of lines while chatting from the skies above and their alphas called to them from below flirting and showing signs of their attraction. Keiji rolled his eyes while Koushi sighed in awe at the interaction. 

Now and then, the eastern prince’s eyes focused on the swish of light dancing against the metal of armor, as soldier after soldier walked by the pair. He had noticed it early on, but the city seemed teeming with Southern militia at every corner. 

“Koushi, do you know why there are so many soldiers here?” 

The other omega nodded, “Their training base is located in the city. What I know is that Prince Koutarou and Prince Hajime moved it from the mainland to here a few years ago.” 

Keiji bit his lip at the mention of his fiancée once again. “Isn’t the area crowded enough? Why here?” 

“For hundreds of years, the port cities used to be the most dangerous place to live in the entire kingdom. The crowdedness made it easy for convicts and gangs to torment the citizens freely and a few years ago, foreign merchants stopped coming to sell their goods altogether for fear of losing their lives. Koutarou was the one who suggested bringing more soldiers into the city to protect the people.” 

“And did it work?” the dark-haired omega asked genuinely. 

Koushi grinned. “Well, look around for yourself.” 

The silver-haired omega cleared his throat. “Keiji, I know I have no place to tell you this but…you should give the prince a chance. He really is such a noble man, and-” 

“Koushi,” he interrupted, “How can I begin to face him after all I've said and done? And what exactly would I gain from him? I seek not his royal status nor a chance to unite our two peaceful kingdoms.” 

Koushi averted his gaze, looking almost guilty. “You will gain his love…and he may gain yours,” he said quieter. 

Keiji scoffed. “Love, you speak of. I have no interest in his love or any alphas for that matter. A most useless of possessions.” 

The other omega linked their arms together as they walked, giggling at Keiji’s harsh words. “My dearest Keiji. You are more knowledgeable than I could ever dream of being,” he paused. “But I know for certain that you are unqualified to speak on this matter. You are oblivious to the wonders of being in love.” 

“And I suppose you are qualified?” 

Koushi smiled fondly, “Indeed I am.”

Keiji smirked. “And where exactly is this lover of yours,” he asked sarcastically, bringing his hand above his eyes as if peering into the distance. 

Koushi looked down. “He…is in a place I cannot reach right now,” he said with a certain sorrow in his tone. 

The easterner felt his heart drop at the other’s words. Koushi didn’t deserve the pain of a dead lover, Keiji thought. He rarely saw the always-cheerful Koushi with such a glum expression, and he wanted nothing more than to console him as the omega had done for him. Yet, there wasn’t much to be done if the love of his life was in heaven. 

He wrapped an arm around the shorter man’s shoulders. “I’m sorry,” was all he could say at that moment. 

“Oh nonsense, it was not your fault. But this is why I warn you not to miss your chance,” Koushi said warmly, resting his head on Keiji’s shoulder. “There,” he pointed to a building with a large cloth roof. “That’s the training base.” 

_

Days later, Keiji snuck out again to visit the city but this time, alone. His intent: to enter the said military base. He had been aching for a chance to wield a sword ever since his arrival, with all the stress, sadness, and frustration that had been building up without release. He wore trousers and a simple tunic, uncharacteristic for an omega of his status, and a cloth mask to conceal the bottom half of his face.

He followed the path Koushi had shown him to the entrance where he was immediately bombarded by a multitude of alpha pheromones. There was nothing that particularly scared him about the scene, but the heat and intensity from inside certainly made him dizzy. It was obvious that the soldiers could sense his pheromones as well, with how quickly some of them dropped their weapons to look his way as he walked farther in. He tried his hardest not to draw any more attention toward himself as he made his way to a rack of weapons. 

“You must be lost,  omega ,” a low and annoying voice called from behind him. 

Keiji ignored it as usual and continued to try his hand at the different swords, but the other was persistent. 

“I said you’re in the wrong place bitch. The brothel is down the street,” he snickered, accompanied by more alphas who gathered near. 

There was indeed a brothel down the street, one that he and Koushi had passed during their last visit. A shabby old building with big-breasted omegas hanging off the sides of it, crooning to any decent-looking man who walked by.  That  remark made Keiji turn around to stare the man down. He was a lot larger than the omega was, but it didn’t phase the prince. Keiji continued his silent treatment as he pushed past the crowd to warm up with his selected sword. Clearly, this had pissed the alpha off as he pressed him further. 

“You think you’re too good to entertain a simple man like me, is that what it is honey?” he accused. 

Keiji laughed low. “Oh, I  know  I’m too good,” he said in the other’s face and watched as he grit his teeth trying to seem high and mighty. Keiji let the other man back him into a wall so he could provoke him. 

“Listen,” the alpha growled, “Either I fuck you in your room at that whore house…or I strip you right now and fuck you in front of everyone here. You’d like that wouldn’t you?” 

“Oh my, do you kiss your mother with that mouth?” Keiji spat in his face. 

The other clenched his jaw. “Son of a bitch…” he said as he raised his hand to punch him. 

“Wait!” a friend of the alpha joined in, “You’ll get kicked out for that kind of violence here. Leave him be, he simply came to spar.” 

The alpha exhaled in Keiji’s face before releasing his grip. “If it’s a spar he wants, then I will give it to him,” he boasted. He took up a sword of his own facing the omega who assumed his position as well. 

“Don’t you know that real men fight with their shirts off?” he provoked. 

He huffed when Keiji ignored the comment again. “Fine, have it your way. If you win,  maybe  I will let you be. But if I win, you’ll spread your legs and let every man in here have his way with your body,” he cackled. 

Keiji shrugged as he lifted his sword. With less than two swishes the match was over with the alpha crouched on the floor, clutching his groin where the omega had struck on “accident”. 

Another alpha approached him, presumably to avenge his asshole friend, and Keiji ended him just as easily as the first. Competitor after competitor approached him threateningly, only to be shot down in a fraction of a minute by the swift prince. Pretty soon the entire gym had surrounded the omega waiting to try their luck as encouragement was shouted to each new challenger. 

“Hey Hey Hey, What the hell is going on here?!” a strong, commanding voice rang from above the main floor. 

All of a sudden Keiji’s eyes widened at the familiar sight of silver and black hair with golden eyes with a regal aura. It was none other than Koutarou, his fiancée who marched into the crowd from a room on the balcony above the floor to break apart the conflict. 

“What the fuck is all this?” he asked a cowering soldier in the crowd. 

“Sir, this omega came in here to spar and none of us can defeat him. It must be witchcraft or-” Koutarou put a hand up to silence the rambling man. He marched into the circle to face Keiji who looked away and pulled up his mask in fear of being recognized. To the omega’s surprise, Koutarou lowered his head and bowed. 

“Would you allow me to try my hand,” he asked all gentleman-like, with the proper refinement for a prince of his standing. 

Keiji raised his sword to signal his answer and the Southern prince took a sword from a soldier in the crowd before removing his shirt. He revealed rows of hard, bulging muscles covered in scars and dents from the battlefield, a proud display of his loyalty to the Southern kingdom. Keiji tried his best not to stare but the other’s physique was worth admiring, and the easterner traced the lines of his body with his eyes shamelessly. 

“If you win, you have my utmost respect and protection from the harassment of these pigs while you’re under this roof. If I win, you’ll let me see the face of the man who managed to best each one of my recruits,” Koutarou addressed the crowd. 

They raised their swords, circling while waiting for the other to make a move. Keiji lunged forward with the speed of a falcon, but Koutaoru blocked the attack firmly with a flick of the wrist. Next, it was the alpha’s turn, stepping to the left in an attempt to hit the other’s back leg. Keiji dodged quickly and parried. Minutes went by and their weapons clanged against each other endlessly, as the battle picked up in speed with each new move. Suddenly, it seemed as if Koutarou lost his balance stepping on a divot in the dirt floor. Keiji noticed this and advanced, knocking the other backward and onto the floor. 

Quickly, the omega sat on Koutarou’s hips, kicking his sword away and holding his own to the other’s throat. He looked down at the prince, whose lips curled up into a smirk while beautiful eyes started up in awe. Keiji felt something stir inside him, butterflies teasing his lower stomach and blush painting his already flushed cheeks. 

His fiancée looked so…attractive at that moment that Keiji had forgotten to properly restrain his hands. Before he could adjust, Koutarou grabbed his waist firmly, muscular fingers rubbing into him as he was flipped onto his back. The alpha pressed his hips onto Keiji’s, locking his lower half in place while a strong grip held slender hands bound above his head. Their chests touched and the omega squirmed in place hoping to escape. They were face to face not even a second later, golden eyes locked onto blue as Koutarou hovered above the other. 

“I believe I’ve defeated our champion,” he breathed out low. 

Keiji’s pulse quickened at being so close to an alpha. He could feel the other’s breath panting against his lips under the mask, slowly. Touching as they were, he could sense the alpha’s bay leaf-scented pheromones, and Keiji fought back his natural urges to scent the man. The pressure against his hips in combination with the gorgeous shirtless body pressed up against him had his inner omega screaming in pleasure, and something in him wished he could take his clothes off to feel him, skin to skin. He hooded his eyes from exhaustion and arousal, almost moaning ashamedly as he felt wetness spread to his lower parts. 

Suddenly, Koutarou’s grip on him let up and the alpha’s pupils dilated rapidly. “Keiji…?” he whispered with uncertainty in his voice. The omega filled with panic at the sound of his own given name.  How did he know?  Without a second thought, Keiji brought his knee up hard, striking the other’s side and pushing his body aside before sprinting out and as far away as possible. 

_

Keiji was back in his room only moments later, filled with anticipation as he dried his curls from the long shower he had taken upon returning. However, it seemed that Koutarou had yet to come back, and Keiji couldn’t figure out why the information upset him. Any other day, and it wouldn’t have mattered to him where his fiancée was but Keiji was paranoid. Quite paranoid, in fact, wondering if Koutarou would spend the night in the brothel near the training ground. 

It wasn’t unlikely for princes, even as high ranking as Koutarou was, to visit even the sleaziest of places to satiate their sexual urges. Hell, Suguru sure did it often. But for some reason, Keiji swelled with jealousy at the thought of his fiancée’s body pressed up against another omega. Hated the image of those perfect bulging muscles flexing for anyone other than him. Since when did such thoughts ever cross his mind? 

He couldn’t deny that Koutarou was attractive beyond comparison. All the Southern princes were but the second had a different aura to him. So confident, strong, passionate, noble…Perhaps Koushi had the right idea, encouraging the younger omega to approach the alpha. 

“Keiji-sama,” the Eastern prince’s attendant approached him, “I’ve been asked to give this to you.” 

She handed him a note, written on plain white parchment, a clean script reading  “Join me for breakfast tomorrow morning.” 

The note wasn’t signed but Keiji knew, as he brought the paper to his nose satisfied, that the faint smell of bay leaf couldn’t have belonged to anyone else. 

_ 

For the first time since his arrival, Keiji had accepted the help of his attendant. He was to share a meal with his betrothed so naturally, the omega wanted to look his best for the occasion. He sighed in defeat as he let the woman pat his face with rouge to give him that forever-blushing look. Keiji couldn’t recall the last time he wanted to look beautiful for an alpha. If there  ever  was a time. 

He dressed in a cream-colored gown, with a separate blouse and skirt, Southern style to please his host. It was rather scandalous if he could say anything about it but regardless, Keiji felt sensual. The blouse was a strapless chiffon, beginning at his underarms and ending right below his breasts, with long flowing sleeves that looked like the wings of an angel. The skirt was mermaid style, full of intricate pearl beadwork and sheer at the bottom revealing just the right amount of the omega’s long legs. 

Keiji’s attendant took care of his jewelry, securing a link of exquisite golden stones around his neck and a matching ring on his finger. He wore simple pearl earrings and a dainty chain around his toned waist. 

As Keiji made his way to the main palace, all eyes were on him. Glances of adoration weren’t uncommon, especially for an omega as naturally gorgeous as Keiji, but it was a whole other story to witness him all dressed up. As if time itself had halted, servants, gardeners, secretaries, and advisors alike stopped and turned to watch the ethereal eastern beauty walk past.

He entered the grand Southern palace humbly at the side of his attendant, and once again all seemed to pause around him. 

“My My Keiji-san, what a pleasant surprise to see you here!” 

The omega raised his head to find Koutarou’s mother, the Northern queen approaching him. “Good morning, your majesty,” he bowed. 

The older omega took him by the hand. “Come, Koutarou has been waiting for you.” 

With his heart beating up to his throat, Keiji entered a beautifully furnished lounge room, the soft glow of the early morning sun, braiding itself into his curls with each new step. He walked farther in, making his way to a balcony overlooking the Southern sea and noticing a familiar figure seated at a simple table. 

Koutarou’s eyes stalked him like a predator, gaze refusing to leave his body as he came near. The prince rose from his seat to help Keiji into his, pulling the chair back and leaning close as the omega accepted the gesture. 

The alpha spoke promptly and cleared his throat once he was seated again. “Yesterday…what were you doing there?” 

He hesitated. “You’ll have to be more specific, Koutarou-san. I went to many places yesterday,” he said nonchalantly. Keiji didn’t know why he avoided the question. With the way he panicked when the other mentioned his name at that moment, it would be impossible to cover his tracks. 

Koutarou began to laugh, warm and hearty, a pleasure to Keiji’s ears. “How amusing you are!” He turned to the room full of the palace staff. “Leave us.” 

He began again, “Listen, I wanted to apologize on behalf of my new trainees. I also expelled the man that approached you. Language like that has no right to be spoken in an omega's presence.” 

Keiji’s heart swelled. “You did that…for me?” he said quietly enough to be mistaken for a whisper. 

The alpha nodded. “Certainly. How could I sit idly when such disgusting words reached the ears of my future wife?” 

The omega hated how happy he felt being in the presence of the other. This was the man he swore he would hate? This handsome, righteous, powerful man was the one he had villainized in his mind until now? 

“I don’t deserve an apology from you Koutarou,” Keiji began as he locked eyes with the other. “In fact, I think it would be most fitting for  me  to apologize for my rotten behavior.” 

Koutarou was silent at his words, indicating that he didn’t exactly disagree. “I’ve been nothing but difficult and irritable since my arrival, and even as you made the effort to introduce yourself, I cried and showed you something so disgraceful. To think that I-” 

“Keiji…you’ve done nothing wrong,” the alpha cut him off before Keiji could continue to bash himself. 

“But I have. And I want nothing more than to apologize for it.” 

Koutarou chuckled. “You speak as if I haven’t forced you into a marriage out of your control.”

“Wait a second,”  Keiji thought to himself, “ Why hasn’t he let me go if he acknowledges I had no say?” 

Keiji scoffed, “If you are aware of the matter, then why must you keep me here?” 

“Keiji there are  reasons  for which I cannot let you go, and-” 

“I do believe I am entitled to knowing the  reasons  for which my freedom has been stripped away so casually,” the omega said, trying his hardest not to lash out again and spoil the mood. 

They locked eyes again for a moment. “Ask and you shall receive,” Koutarou responded, softening his gaze. 

“Very well,” he began, “I’m sure you are aware my brother Daichi is set to one day succeed the Southern throne.” 

Keiji nodded, recalling the times the older alpha had visited the Eastern Kingdom as a boy, and how even then he held the maturity of a true king.

Koutarou continued, “He had been on a study abroad until recently, and on the day of his return, arrived hand in hand with the son of his teacher, a common omega claiming they were in love.” 

Keiji’s eyes went wide. “How did your family react?” 

“Of course, they tried to talk him out of it, but Daichi is a stubborn man. Even as my father threatened to give the throne to me and the rest of my brothers he stood his ground. That’s what made it clear that day that the two lovers were fated.” 

“You mean to tell me that you turned down the opportunity to rule?” The omega couldn’t believe his ears. 

Koutarou chuckled. “How could I betray my brother so easily? After how hard he’s worked to get to where he is? And besides…I don’t believe it fits my image.” 

“It’s a touching story, really, but what does any of this have to do with our marriage?” The easterner asked skeptically. 

“Right. If Daichi does marry his beloved, any children they have are ineligible to inherit the throne. And so, father made it clear that either Daichi marries another royal or one of us takes on the duty of producing the next heir.”  

Keiji sighed. “I assume that you volunteered?” 

“Indeed,” the alpha responded, “Father also said that the lovers may not touch or even reside in the same room unattended. Not until the date of my marriage has been announced. And I felt a strong will to fulfill the wishes of my brother and brother-in-law, so I vowed that I would marry the first candidate, no matter who they were.”

“And that happened to be me?” 

 “I’m sorry Keiji, I really am. When I learned of how remarkable you were, achievements and all, I felt nothing but shame. And seeing you yesterday, how beautifully you wield the sword, made me wish it was anyone but you.” 

Keiji processed the alpha’s words. The apology was most definitely genuine, but what the omega needed most wasn’t an apology. He wished to turn back time, back to before Prince Daichi fell in love and all the shenanigans that followed after. Perhaps then he could have staked his claim on the Eastern throne like he had dreamed all his life. But alas, Suguru’s coronation had occurred the week prior, and the dream had expired along with it. The young omega had made the painful decision to look toward the future. 

“To think that my whole life has been decided by the love story of two complete strangers,” Keiji groaned. “Listen…I gain absolutely nothing from returning to the Eastern kingdom at this point. But it will certainly take some time for me to accept the marriage.” 

The alpha’s eyes lit up. “Take as much time as you need Keiji. I promise that under my care, you will never feel pressured to please me in any way,” he said gently. 

“There’s one more thing Koutarou…” 

“Yes?” 

Keiji smiled. “I demand a rematch from yesterday. It’s been ages since I lost to an alpha, and I refuse to admit defeat.” 

Koutarou’s lips curled into a smirk, his gaze becoming sharp and challenging, and the omega’s heart skipped a beat. “As many as you want.” 

Chapter Text

The hallways of the Southern palace were so quiet, yet Keiji couldn’t make out the sound of his own footsteps over the thundering beat of his heart. Adrenaline coursed through his veins as he mentally prepared for the moments to come. Truth be told, he was in utter shock after his last spar with Koutarou, stunned at the fact that he had lost a bout and thus ending his 5 year winning streak. And so the omega so confidently challenged his betrothed to a rematch, certain that he could redeem himself. 

There was a room in the palace, one that Koutarou called his private training room, that Keiji was instructed to find for their match. He knocked on large wooden doors four times, a specific instruction the prince had given him and watched as racks on racks of weapons came into view. The next he noticed was Koutarou, greeting him at the door with a smile on his face and a glistening sheen of sweat on his perfect chest. 

“Please, come in,” the older prince said, stepping to the side as Keiji bowed before entering. 

Keiji could fully see the room, eyes shining as he took in the magnificence. One of the walls was covered in weapons. There were swords of all shapes and sizes, various axes and spears, and an abundance of strange looking instruments that the omega had never seen before in his life. A giant mirror took up the space of another side of the room, which Keiji assumed was for practicing form. In the center was a space just big enough for a proper spar. The omega spun around, catching Koutarou staring at him with a grin on his face. 

Keiji cocked an eyebrow. “Yes?” 

“Just thinking your expression was beautiful.” 

The omega blushed, looking towards the floor. How could he say that so casually? “I-I’d like to warm up please.” 

Keiji stretched his legs, catching a glimpse of the other as he used a pull-up bar. He faced Koutarou’s back, focusing on his defined muscles. They flexed and unflexed as he pulled himself up and down with ease. While practicing with a sword, Keiji noticed the scars on the alpha’s back that were far more present than the one’s spotted on his front, making the omega shudder at how much pain some of them must have caused. 

“Okay,” the eastern prince called, “I’m ready.” 

Moments later they were face to face in the small arena, revolving as they did during their last match. This time Koutarou made the first move, merely hitting the other’s sword with his own, hard. He was a lot more aggressive this time, Keiji thought, with more force in each of his attacks and increasing the frequency of advances as well. The omega analyzed Koutarou’s torso, taking note of the places his scars were most present in hopes of pinpointing where the alpha had a hard time defending. There were plenty at his bellybutton, a few up his defined hip bones and one running through his dark nipple. Keiji stared at it for a little too long, enough for Koutarou to tap his leg with his sword lightly. 

The alpha smirked. “Am I distracting you?” he said cockily. 

Keiji flushed, choosing not to respond. 

“You’re free to even the playing field if you’d like,” he grinned. 

The omega’s eyes went wide. Was Koutarou insinuating that he take his clothes off? If it were anyone else, the comment would have had him fuming, but somehow it made Keiji’s knees go weak and his stomach flutter. Whether or not the alpha was serious, Keiji would never back away from a challenge. He put his sword down, walking to a bench on the side of the room and stripping from his shirt. 

He was left in his chest cover, a thin white strip of fabric, just thick enough to cover his nipples, that tied off on his back. He could see his own form in the mirror, his toned stomach and arms on display as well as the dip of his slender waist. In the reflection, he caught the alpha looking his body up and down, and he blushed with a slight sense of pride. 

“I…I didn’t expect you to actually do it,” Koutarou said, looking away and covering his face with his palm to hide his own red cheeks. 

“Afraid that I'll distract you?” 

“You already distract me enough with your clothes on. Have some mercy,” the alpha scoffed. 

They resumed the match, and Keiji could feel the other’s eyes on his body. It certainly did even the playing field as the older prince had his own moments of hesitation, mind blank at the sight of the omega’s body. 

Koutarou swung hard all of a sudden, knocking Keiji back from the sheer force of the attack. His sword was knocked out of his grip, but before he could fall to the floor, a strong hand wrapped around his bare waist, pulling the prince forwards and steadying him. 

Keiji found himself pressed against his fiancées body, their chests touching skin to skin. He could feel the other’s breath fanning his forehead as they stayed like that for a moment too long. 

“Sorry,” Koutarou said as he let go of Keiji’s body, “I just didn’t want the match to end.” 

Keiji sighed. “But you’ve won that one. I want to go again,” he said commandingly. 

Once again they assumed their positions like routine. Keiji knew he could never beat an alpha in a test of strength, but he could certainly work with speed. He sent advance after advance towards the alpha, making sure not to give the other enough time to recover. Keiji also aimed without direction to confuse his opponent on where his real hits would be. Koutarou was sharp however, rarely ever fooled by the other’s fakes with his focused gaze that could rival that of the great horned owl. 

But finally, Keiji managed to catch him off guard and tapped the older’s leg with the tip of his sword. He exhaled contently, regaining his breath after the exertion. 

“Tired already? It’s 2-1 currently, are you sure you don’t want to even the score?” the alpha teased. 

Keiji rolled his eyes and got back into a fighting stance. They switched sides all while golden eyes stared into blue refusing to drift elsewhere. The omega caught a glimpse of a purple bruise decorating the side of the alpha’s torso. He sped past the other, jabbing him in the side with his elbow, watching as the powerful man groaned and kneeled on the floor clutching his side. He looked up, eyebrows furrowed as the tip of Keiji’s sword pointed straight at his throat. 

“I didn’t take you for someone who played dirty,” Koutarou almost growled. 

He grabbed the edge of the sword, yanking it forward and away from himself, pulling the surprised omega down with it. Keiji fell forward into the alpha’s lap and squirmed as the other man-handled him onto his stomach. The easterner’s arms were bound behind his back in less than a second by Koutarou’s killer grip, moaning as the alpha’s other hand pressed into his lower abdomen right above his womb, forcing his hips up. 

Keiji’s legs were held in place by the southerner’s knees and he could feel Koutarou’s groin firmly against his raised ass. He panted heavy, cheek pressed against the floor as the other hovered above his ear. 

“I’m sorry…I don’t know what came over me,” Keiji said ashamed. 

He was very ashamed at the fact that he had cheated in the match but more ashamed at how turned on he was to be held down by Koutarou. Something about the man's touch and presence clouding his senses made him feel so content, and he knew it could never be possible with another alpha.  

“Don’t do it again,” he rasped in Keiji’s ear, and the omega nodded quickly. 

Keiji gasped suddenly, panicking as he felt his chest cover slip from his body. As if on cue, Koutarou let go of the omega’s hands and gathered the two ends of the fabric. 

“Let me,” he said quietly, as he tied the cloth back onto the other’s body, rough fingers brushing against the soft, smooth skin of his back.

The whole event was too much for the young omega. “I wish to take my leave,” Keiji said as he rose from the ground. 

“Wait,” the alpha grabbed his hand, “I need to apologize, Keiji… I had no right treating you in such an uncouth manner. As if you were just another member of the Southern military, but in fact you are a most refined of omegas and prince at that. Forgive me.” 

The omega could see the way Koutarou’s eyes pleaded for him to stay. Keiji smiled, a genuine smile of forgiveness and watched as the other relaxed as well. “Don’t you think I deserved a punishment for my foolish actions? You’ve done nothing wrong.” 

Suddenly the alpha’s stare deepened, and Keiji almost shuddered at the intensity. Koutarou brought the omega’s hand to his lips, kissing it modestly. “But I wish to give you a most sincere apology…won’t you accept it?” 

Keiji blushed, fully realizing their current positions. He was barely clothed, Koutarou, equally nude, kneeling before him and kissing his hand. Fiery eyes stared at the omega as if he was the most alluring object known to man. Keiji wondered when the art of sword fighting had become so intimate, so… erotic . He felt light headed, like he could topple over at any moment, understanding quite quickly what his current ailment was and retracting from the alpha’s embrace. 

“I- I really must get going,” he said quickly, slipping his shirt back on and heading for the door.

“Wait! When can I see you again?” Koutarou called after him. 

“Soon,” Keiji smiled. 

Keiji’s heat crept up on him, leaving him bothered and confined to his room. It was a dreaded time, one filled with vexation for any unmated omega. The prince bathed despite knowing how messy he would become in following moments, slipping on a robe before lying on his bed.

Normally, his heats were spent in seclusion and consisted of hours upon hours of Keiji rubbing himself to force out even a single fleeting moment of pleasure. It wasn’t like he was actually aroused in the slightest, as the omega didn’t think of anything while he touched himself. No single fantasy he could ever forgive himself for dreaming about and certainly no alpha around that struck his fancy.

But that was in the past and presently, there was in fact, an alpha that wouldn’t leave his thoughts. The omega shivered thinking about what Koutarou might do if they were together. It was by no means a farfetched thought, for not far into the future, they would be spending their heats and ruts with one another as a married couple might. A part of him believed that the alpha would treat him delicately, opening up his untouched body with tender caresses. But the way Koutarou had so firmly held Keiji down made it seem like he could be a rough lover, using the omega’s body as an outlet purely for his own pleasure.

Keiji untied the sash of his robe, letting it fall open, and exposing his body to the cold air. He trailed a hand gently down his neck and to his chest, squeezing his left breast and feeling the nipple perk up. He wondered if his fiancée would touch him there, would he suck him? Bite him? Lick him? The omega wet the tips of his fingers with his tongue before circling his bud. He started to breathe heavily, gasping as he flicked over it suddenly. Keiji pinched both his nipples at the same time experimentally, and arched up as the sensation became unbearable. 

Once he had exhausted the feeling, the omega caressed lower, rubbing his abdomen. One day, that place would hold Koutarou’s child and Keiji wondered at what point had such thoughts made him feel so content. Finally, the omega touched the aching place between his legs, moaning as he felt how wet he was. He dipped his fingers shallowly into his hole, coating the digits with his slick before rubbing along his folds. The sun began to set, golden rays finding their way into the room and painting the surroundings in an amber hue. Keiji remembered the alpha’s eyes at that moment, richer in color than even the setting sun. Those eyes that could be sweet like honey and fierce as a tiger all at the same time. 

The omega brushed the tip of his finger against his clit, sighing from the satisfaction of the touch. He began to stroke himself gently, contrasting the aggressiveness he had known his whole life. The next thing that came to mind was Koutarou’s incredible body. Keiji recalled the alpha’s broad back, rippling muscles covered in prizes from the battlefield. He moved his fingers faster. Next, the alpha’s chest, his large pectorals that descended to dozens of bulging abdominal muscles only rivaled by his sculpted hips, carved by the gods into a perfect V shape. 

Keiji’s eyes went wide, orgasm hitting him with such force that all he could do was cry out. His head tipped backwards, mouth hanging open as he worked himself through it. It seemed to last endlessly, leaving the omega paralyzed as he gasped out with eyes shut. It was the first time he had felt so much pleasure in his life, and he chased the rush again and again. 

The omega emerged from his solitude after 4 days feeling refreshed and rather guilty. Guilty for the numerous times he had used Koutarou to reach his peak shamelessly. He blushed as he exited his quarters, stepping into the fresh air and taking in the soothing scent of the sea. Keiji made his way to Koushi’s place, in hopes to update the other omega on the new advances in his and Koutarou’s relationship. 

“Keiji! What a wonderful surprise!” the silver-haired omega said as he opened the door to see his friend. 

Keiji walked into the kitchen, surprised when he caught sight of Koutarou and Daichi sitting at the table. 

“Keiji…What are you doing here?” his fiancée exclaimed as he got up from his seat to greet the omega. 

“I could ask you the same, Koutarou,” Keiji said as he looked towards Koushi who was busy in the kitchen. He wondered how the two knew each other. 

“Ah, I was here to accompany my brother. I didn’t know you and Koushi-san had met.” 

Keiji walked over to the kitchen, putting his arms around the older omega’s shoulders. “Of course. He has become my most dearest friend,” he said, making Koushi giggle. 

“That reminds me,” the other omega spoke, “Where have you been these past few days, Keiji? I was getting worried.” 

Memories of his estrus came rushing back as did the blush to his cheeks. “Er, I was having my heat,” he said quietly, embarrassed to have to mention it in front of the alphas. 

Daichi laughed suddenly. “So that’s what it was,” he chuckled as he nudged Koutarou, the omegas looking at each other in confusion. 

“What?” Koushi questioned. 

“Koutarou here thought that Keiji-san was avoiding him.” 

“Daichi!” The second prince shouted, offended that his brother had mentioned something so pathetic. Keiji giggled as Koutarou covered his face with his hands, ears turning red in embarrassment. 

“Well,” Keiji began, trying to hold back his smile, “at least now you know the truth.” 

Koutarou recovered, smiling back tenderly and Keiji almost felt his heart skip a beat. 

Daichi cleared his throat. “It’s time we get going, Koutarou. Father expects us for lunch.” 

Suddenly Koushi rushed forward. “Ah- So soon?” he pouted. 

The northern omega and the southern crown prince locked eyes for a moment, long enough for Keiji to question the strange gesture, eyes going wide. 

Daichi smiled. “We’ll be back. I promise,” he spoke gently, nothing but warmth in his tone. 

Koutarou approached his betrothed before his departure. “Keiji, will you meet me before dusk. There’s something I wish to show you.” 

The omega shocked himself with how much his heart fluttered at the words. “I wish to see it,” he said shyly. 

“Alright,” Koutarou said, gentle eyes finding Keiji’s in an instant. 

The two alpha’s left and Keiji sighed. “Koushi, there is something I wish to ask you.” 

“Hm?” 

“When did you know you loved Daichi-san?” 

Like a frightened doe, Koushi stared at him. “How did you…” 

Keiji chuckled, “It’s not like you tried to hide it.” 

The prince had known the second he saw the pure look of love shared between the two. All of a sudden, their red string of fate became clear as day, seen by all hidden to none. Well, Keiji had his suspicions; surely the ambassador he had believed Koushi to be would have returned back to their own kingdom by now. And of the lover the omega had mentioned on their trip to the port city, he must have been unreachable not in existence but in status, for who could ever imagine the future king in love with the mere son of a teacher. Koutarou’s story happened to be the missing piece to the puzzle.  

Koushi looked ashamed, eyes cast down and frown painting his beautiful face. “Keiji I-, I should have told you…” 

“I think it’s better that you didn’t,” Keiji said defeatedly, “Had I known this weeks ago, I would have never pursued our friendship.” 

He paused for a moment. “But I’m glad that I did,” the easterner said. 

The silver-haired omega looked up at his words, his brown eyes glossy. 

Keiji hugged him, “I will never forget the day you saved me. That day… I really thought it would be the last, but you so tenderly held me and filled me with hope.” 

Koushi returned the embrace. “Keiji…the day I helped you, I was unaware that you were Koutarou-san’s bride.”

The dark-haired omega giggled. “I would never question your compassion, Koushi. You would have done that for anyone, I know that much.” 

“I really am sorry.” 

“Don’t be. How could I ever blame you for wanting to be with the one you cherish,” Keiji said delicately, “I promise that your and Daichi-san’s love will never suffer again.” 

Koushi hugged Keiji so tight that the other stopped breathing for a moment. “Thank you… Thank you so much,” he whispered into the taller omega’s shoulder. 

“But what’s this I hear?” Koushi giggled, “You of all people speaking of love?”

Keiji blushed, keeping his silence. 

“I shall answer your question. I knew I loved Daichi when he began to appear in my dreams. In my sleep, when I had no control over my thoughts, he was always there. The center of my sweetest night visions and the knight in shining armor freeing me from my nightmares.” 

“That’s beautiful,” the prince said quietly. “But how does a love as impressive as that even come about?” 

“Attraction,” Koushi said quite quickly. “He was the handsomest man I had seen in my life, I could never keep my hands off.”

“I…I feel the same for Koutarou,” Keiji said shyly. 

Koushi’s eyes lit up. “That’s wonderful! Surely the feelings are mutual!” 

“You think so?” the prince smiled. 

“Nurture it Keiji. I’m sure you will find happiness with Koutarou.” 

The words of his friend remained in Keiji’s mind as he prepared to meet his fiancée when evening fell. Could he really find happiness at the hands of an alpha? Could he so easily forget all the anger and pain of his childhood? 

He dressed modestly in a light blue gown, adorning his ears in drop earrings and a matching pendant around the neck. There was a knock at his door, his attendant rushing to open it. 

“Keiji-sama, you have a visitor,” she spoke, and the omega felt a sense of deja vu. The last time Koutarou had visited his quarters was the night of their initial meeting, which had ended in a crying mess. Keiji prayed that this time would be different.

The alpha took him in, the way he always did. First, amber eyes shifted all over his body, tracing his curves before settling on his face. He seemed to scent the air, sensing Keiji’s lingering heat pheromones and releasing some of his own. 

“Are you ready?” he asked, a little giddy. 

Then he held out his palm which Keiji grabbed hesitantly. Koutarou pulled him along, leading him outside and through the palace grounds. The omega blushed, feeling a slight sense of superiority as heads turned to stare at the couple. If his own aura wasn’t impressive enough, Koutarou’s added to the magnificence. Plus, hand-in-hand like they were, Keiji could warn the young omegas that admired the alpha from afar that this gorgeous man was off-limits. 

Keiji’s fiancée led him into a carriage, helping him sit before entering himself.

“Koutarou, where are you taking me?” he asked, looking out the window as the palace faded into the distance. 

“It’s a surprise!” 

Keiji’s eyes went wide when Koutarou opened the doors at their arrival, a sandy beach and shimmering blue landscape coming into view. 

“The sea?” the omega asked confused. 

The older prince didn’t respond, instead just interlocking their hands again and leading him down the sandy shore. Keiji thanked the universe that the waves were loud enough to mask his beating heart, going crazy from such proximity to the alpha. 

Two horses came into view, one spotted brown and the other a beautiful black. Keiji watched as Koutarou nuzzled the snout of the brown one familiarly. 

“This is Fukuro, my trusted ally on the battlefield,” he said tenderly, taking Keiji’s palm and resting it on the horse’s muzzle.

“Hello Fukuro,” Keiji laughed, as the horse stared at him with its large black eyes. 

“And this is his mare,” the alpha said, taking the reins of the black horse and walking her over towards Keiji. 

“She’s beautiful,” he said, admiring the glossy coat. 

“Yeah, Fukuro seems to think so too. She’s pregnant with his foal currently,” Koutarou said, patting the mare’s stomach.  

“Congratulations,” Keiji smiled.

“Do you ride?” Koutarou asked, looking intently at the omega.

“No, but I’ve always wanted to learn.” 

The alpha smiled wide. “Then I’ll teach you.” 

He helped Keiji onto the mare, holding the reins tight with one hand and Keiji’s waist with the other, the omega blushing. Not long after, the mare began to neigh, thrashing and pacing with irritation. 

“Is she supposed to be doing that!?” Keiji shouted, fearing for his life. 

Koutarou grabbed Keiji’s waist, pulling him off of the animal quickly before he could get injured and pulling him close. 

“Not at all,” he sighed, relieved that he acted quickly enough. 

The omega flushed when he noticed the alpha’s strong hands still pressing into his hips. Wishing for them to remain there, he didn’t move a muscle. “Um…Did I do something wrong?” 

“Ah, don’t worry. It’s just stress hormones from her pregnancy. If anything I should have brought a different horse,” Koutarou reassured him. 

The alpha sighed. “I guess you’re forced to ride with me then.” 

He pulled his own horse over and it followed obediently, standing perfectly still as Koutarou helped Keiji onto its back. Next, the southern prince leaped on, grabbing the reins and trapping Keiji between his buff arms. 

“Sorry it’s a bit cramped,” he apologized, but the omega didn’t mind in the slightest. He cherished the feeling of Koutarou’s chest against his back, and his arms around his body. 

They rode along the beach, and Keiji looked out in awe into the beauty of the Southern sea. The sun that was high in the sky at their departure had begun to set, painting the sky with dozens of beautiful pink and purple shades. The wind picked up, blowing a gentle breeze against the pair and rustling their clothes. Keiji took in the entirety of the moment, from the horse’s quiet noises to the feeling of Koutarou’s chest rising and falling against his back. It was beyond perfect. 

They stopped at a point to watch the sun’s final descent into the ocean, the golden center disappearing into the deep blue of the ocean. Keiji sighed contently, feeling the cool mist of the sea on his face. 

“That was beautiful,” he said gently, “Thank you for showing it to me.” 

They were so close that he could hear Koutarou’s low voice as it resonated in his chest. “You’re welcome.” 

“But may I ask why?

The alpha chucked. “Think of it as my formal apology. For our last spar… and everything from before.”

“Your words were plenty enough for me,” Keiji said quietly as he leaned back against Koutarou. 

“I mean it, Keiji. When I thought you were avoiding me I couldn't forgive myself.” 

The omega sighed. “You know that wasn’t my intention.” 

“I know I know,” he said quickly, “But it feels like every time I try to get closer to you it backfires.”

Keiji couldn’t see his fiancée’s face, but he could tell by the redness on his palms that he was embarrassed. The omega blushed. He idealized the man immensely, so it felt refreshing to see him flustered like this. Flustered because of him. 

The omega took a deep breath in, “Koutarou, I…I agree to the marriage,” he said shakily. 

The alpha stopped breathing for a moment. “You- You do?” he said, nothing but surprise in his tone. “Keiji, don’t feel pressured to do this for my sake. I told you to take as much time as-” 

“I’ve taken all the time I need,” Keiji replied, more confident this time. “And I’m not doing this for your sake. I happen to have my own reasons.” 

Koutarou had his promises to Daichi and Keiji had his own to Koushi. It was nothing more than wishing the best for his friend, the one who had saved him from a fate of misery in the Southern kingdom. 

At least…Keiji wished it was for a cause as pure as friendship. He knew, deep down in his heart, that the decision had come about unrelated to anything and everything but his own budding love. 

Chapter Text

It was already dark by the time Koutarou and Keiji returned to the palace. They shared dinner together as well, alone since the rest of the royal family had retreated to their quarters for the night. The pair had made a plan to spar once more, proposed by Koutarou this time, expressing that he hadn’t fought anyone with such enthusiasm in a while. When it was time to part, the alpha walked the omega back to his room before kissing his hand and whispering a tender “Sweet dreams, Keiji,” in his ear. 

Keiji bathed before changing into his nightgown and slipping into bed, however, he couldn’t sleep, far too excited from the events of the day that left his inexperienced heart racing. Everything was just so…perfect, the omega thought. He imagined Koutarou delivering the news to his brother, how proud and content he would look as he fulfilled his promise. And then he thought of Koushi, wondering how the omega would react when the news reached his ears. Keiji wished to see his face, how beautiful his friend would look, smiling and such.

Then he had the strongest urge to tell the northerner immediately. Keiji absolutely needed to be the one to deliver the news, after all, it was because of him that this was all possible. He grabbed a candle and put on a silk robe before making his way to Koushi’s home. 

Koushi had given him a spare key a while ago, for the times in which Keiji couldn’t sleep alone, and so he slipped it into the lock carefully so as not to wake his sleeping friend. As he tip-toed in, the omega was surprised to see the door to Koushi’s room slightly open, soft light seeping into the dark hallway. Coming closer, he flinched hearing sniffles and whimpers from inside. Keiji’s eyes went wide when he peeked inside, seeing Daichi holding Koushi tightly in his arms. The omega was crying, sobbing and speaking incoherent words into his alpha’s shoulder.  

The eastern prince put his candle out before moving to the other side of the door. He slid against the wall crouching onto the floor to avoid making any noise. He watched as the pair held onto each other as if it would be the last time they ever could, in such a tight embrace, like anyone could tear them apart in a single moment. Keiji remembered Koutarou’s story at that moment, closing his eyes as he remembered all that they had gone through. Forbidden from touching one another and even so much as being alone together. It had been many eternally long months since the rules were placed and Keiji could easily understand why this moment was so important to the two. 

He watched intently as Daichi kissed the omega’s forehead. “Shhh,” he whispered, “I’m right here.” The alpha rubbed Koushi’s head. 

“I- I k-know,” the northerner hiccuped, “but I j-just missed you…so so much.” 

“Me too, my love,” the prince said as he embraced his omega tighter. “All this time, I was waiting for the day when I could hold you in my arms again. It’s been torture Koushi, not being able to kiss your beautiful lips and hold your hands and be by your side endlessly. I needed you all for myself.” 

Koushi sniffled. “Daichi, I love you. Every day I thought about how badly I needed your touch. Wanted you to make me yours…just like how you did the night before we left my village.” 

Keiji watched as the alpha pressed his lips firmly against Koushi’s. They were desperate, trying to feel every inch of the other as they possibly could. Sounds of wet kisses and groans echoed throughout the house, and Keiji blushed.

“I dreamed about this,” Koushi said breathlessly when they finally parted, “When I was having my heats, I dreamed of having you beside me.”

Daichi claimed his lips again. “And what else did you think about in my absence?” he mused. 

“I thought only of you!” the omega practically screamed, “I could never think of anything but you,” he cried out desperately. 

Koushi’s fingers got busy at Daichi’s shirt, undoing the buttons and stripping it off the alpha’s broad chest. Then it was the other’s turn to undress his lover, strong fingers finding the straps of the omega’s nightgown and sliding it down his body slowly. He threaded his hands through Koushi’s braided hair, letting the silver waves free onto his back. 

Keiji looked away briefly as his friend's naked figure came into view. He wondered why he was watching all this, invading such a private and personal moment. Yet his body refused to move. He looked inside once more. 

Daichi was kneeling on the floor, head between Koushi’s thighs, obscene noises leaking into the hallway. The omega moaned unashamedly, holding onto wide shoulders so as to keep his balance while the alpha’s strong hands held him up, rubbing at his waist and feeling along the curve of his hips and ass. Koushi’s legs shook and buckled quite quickly as an orgasm left him numb as putty in his alpha’s hands. He was scooped by his lover into a princess carry and set on the bed like a porcelain doll. The pair began to kiss again, for minutes on end, just rubbing and touching on the other’s skin as their lips filled the room with wet sounds. 

As Keiji contemplated leaving for the hundredth time, the scene changed again, with Koushi straddling the alpha’s hips and kissing down his body. He mumbled something which the observing omega didn’t catch, but whatever it was made Daichi blush furiously. 

Koushi rose onto his knees, positioning the alpha’s member between his thighs before sinking down slowly, a whimper leaving his lips as he leaned back. Daichi grabbed his omega’s waist to keep him from falling backward while he panted and waited for a moment. Then Koushi started to rock his hips, slowly, back and forth, filthy cries spilling from his mouth. The alpha wasn’t exactly quiet either, with his low grunts alternating the northerner’s pretty moans. 

Watching the scene didn’t stir anything inside Keiji except for insecurity. He had always admired his own figure in the past, proud of the firm muscles and toned skin from his years of practice, but for some reason, Koushi’s soft body seemed more worthy of praise at the moment. 

Keiji observed the other omega as he moved atop his lover. Truly a graceful figure, all tender and rose-tinted with generous amounts of plushness around his thighs and hips for the alpha to fondle. His ass wasn’t large but soft and plump with how easily Daichi’s fingers sunk into the soft muscle as he gripped onto it. 

Suddenly Koushi started crying again, his choked-out sobs weaving their way between moans. “I love you. I love you. I love you,” he repeated, again and again like it was the only thing he knew how to say.  

Daichi pulled him down by the neck, crashing their lips together and maneuvering so that his beautiful omega lay underneath him. “I know, darling.” He kissed him gently again. “Forever and always, I’m yours.”

It was at this point that Keiji knew he couldn’t continue to watch. Who was he to intrude on such a beautiful act of love? Furthermore, who in their right mind would ever try to separate a bond as strong as Koushi and Daichi’s, he wondered. The easterner had only recently come to know of their relationship and yet even he could see, quite obviously, that the universe had written their stories on the same page, fully intending for their paths to cross. 

The omega quietly excused himself from the house, finding himself in Koushi’s garden as he walked. He took a seat on the bench of the familiar stone pavilion, looking out into the calm ocean waters. He focused on the moon, a faint crescent like the shy smile of a new bride. He closed his eyes, once again thinking of Koushi and what a beautiful bride he would make. On his wedding day, which surely wasn’t far into the future, he would certainly beam with the same elegance of the moon.  

Keiji tensed, suddenly realizing that his own wedding would be taking place soon as well. The engagement ceremony would be held in one month and the omega had learned from his attendant that it held higher significance than the actual marriage itself, as a consort was expected to be carrying a child by the official wedding. Keiji shivered when he came to know that consummation was to occur after the engagement ceremony. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to sleep with Koutarou, it was more that he didn’t feel… ready. 

The omega was rather inexperienced when it came to pleasing an alpha, in fact, he had absolutely no experience whatsoever. And then there was his new complex about his own muscular body. Keiji worried that Koutarou might prefer an omega like Koushi, soft and plush. It was only when the birds began to croon that the easterner realized he had been foolishly fretting about the matter all night. 

As the days went by, Keiji rarely had any time for himself. Hours that weren’t spent preparing for his engagement were spent in either Koushi or Koutarou’s company. But exhausting as it was, the omega enjoyed it immensely, thankful that his minutes of freedom could be given to the two people he liked most in the kingdom. Furthermore, he was thrilled that he and Koutarou had become close enough to speak casually. 

The alpha had offered to teach Keiji how to use every weapon in his training room after seeing how the omega looked at the unfamiliar instruments with great intrigue. The first lesson was all about maces and the next, a special kind of sword that curved like a snake. The current lesson was on archery. 

“I wouldn’t use it on the battlefield, but it’s great for hunting targets at larger distances,” Koutarou explained as he pulled back on the string and sent an example arrow flying into the center of a straw target. Then he handed the bow to Keiji to try for himself. 

It was a lot heavier than Keiji guessed since the alpha held the curved weapon as if it was light as a feather. The omega pulled the string, but it caught the arrow awkwardly and pushed it merely inches away with a loud twang. 

He sighed. “You make it look easy.” 

Koutarou chuckled. “I just practiced more, that's all. Here,” he walked over, coming up behind Keiji and placing his larger hand over Keiji’s on the grip of the bow. “May I?” he asked with his other hand hovering near the omega’s hip to position him properly. 

Keiji nodded, taking a deep breath when he felt Koutarou’s palm on his bare stomach. “You’re twisting your body here. Keep it in place when you shoot.” 

The alpha brought the other’s free hand to the bow string. “When you pull back, make sure to use these muscles,” he touched the place between Keiji’s scapula. The omega released, pleased that the arrow went far but still discouraged that it hit way off target. 

“Try again,” Koutarou encouraged, handing him another arrow and leaning extremely close to guide his aim. So close that Keiji shivered when he could feel the alpha’s breath on his ear. 

The southern prince interlocked his fingers with Keiji’s at the front of the bow and held his other arm at the wrist, gently pulling it back along with the string. “Let it go,” the alpha said low in his ear. 

The sensation of Koutarou’s deep voice sent butterflies fluttering in Keiji’s stomach. He closed his eyes in pleasure, releasing the arrow without a care for where it would strike, instead wishing to preserve the feeling in his memory. 

When the omega opened his eyes, he laughed happily seeing that his arrow had hit the target only a few inches away from the center. Keiji turned his head, a beaming smile on his face as he sought out his fiancée's acknowledgment. His cheeks went red when he realized how close their faces were, mere centimeters apart as if their noses could touch with a single step forward. 

“You did it,” Koutarou praised, and the omega could feel it on his lips. They were still holding hands, still in a subtle embrace, and still skin to skin, neither wishing to move. 

Keiji looked into the southerner’s beautiful eyes and then down to his lips, subconsciously licking his own. Koutarou seemed to notice as he started to lower his face closer, bringing a hand to cup the omega’s face and using his thumb to part Keiji’s lips. The alpha moved forward, slowly,  carefully , staring intently at the easterner’s downcast eyes to catch even the slightest bit of hesitance. Suddenly, the lock to the training room door began to rattle, causing Koutarou to flinch and pull back. 

It was Hajime who barged in, twirling a set of keys on his finger. “I thought you might be in here,” he peered into the room from his place at the doorway. “Huh, and you have company?” 

It was only when Koutarou moved to shield Keiji’s body from the visitor at the door did the omega realize how carelessly exposed he was. He had gotten used to just wearing his chest covering, letting his guard down when training with Koutarou, firstly because it allowed him a full range of motion and secondly because his fiancée never made him feel uncomfortable. 

“Hajime, turn around,” the alpha commanded to give the omega enough time to re-dress. 

The other did as he was told, turning away. “Someone special?” he shouted from across the room. 

When Keiji was ready, Koutarou introduced the two. “Keiji, this is my brother Hajime. And Hajime, this is Keiji, my fiancée.” 

The third prince’s eyes went wide at the word ‘fiancée’. “So you’ve really gone through with this,” he addressed his brother before turning to the omega and bowing. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you Keiji-san. If I'm not mistaken, you’re the second prince of the Eastern Kingdom?” 

“You would be correct,” Keiji said, lowering his head. 

“I was just over there on business. I’m sorry to deliver such sad news but your grandfather passed away last week,” Hajime said solemnly. 

On the contrary… Keiji thought to himself, trying hard not to let his indifference show. “Is that so,” he said in his most depressing tone, “Terrible news indeed, but we mustn't spoil the mood.” He watched as Koutarou tried his hardest not to laugh, seeing through his fiancée’s fake demeanor, fully aware of all the pain the old man had caused his omega. 

“Of course,” Hajime said politely. “Keiji-san, you must have made quite the impression. This room is usually off-limits for everyone.” 

The omega cocked his head, looking from his brother-in-law to his fiancée as if to verify the information. 

Koutarou jumped at his brother, playfully capturing him in a headlock. “Off-limits and yet you shamelessly made a key for yourself?” he scolded while rubbing his knuckles into Hajime’s scalp. 

The other alpha struggled slightly before pushing out of his older brother’s grip, his spiky hair, tousled even further. 

“I must say, Hajime,” Koutarou said, stepping back, “You struggled a second longer than the last time. Are you sure they’re keeping you busy enough in the East?” He smirked. 

The third prince huffed. “You oaf,” he snickered, “I only wanted to make you look good in front of Keiji-san.” 

The omega giggled, happy to see the playful banter between the siblings. Though he mostly enjoyed seeing his fiancée fluffed with adrenaline, that perfect triumphant smile on his handsome face. 

“Anyways,” Hajime started again, “I came to get you, Kou. Father wants us for lunch.” 

Koutarou sighed before turning to Keiji. “I hate to keep leaving you like this,” he said genuinely and it sent the poor omega’s heart racing. 

“Well, why don’t you just bring Keiji-san?” Hajime interrupted. “I’m sure father wouldn’t mind in the slightest…In fact, Koushi-san might even tag along with Daichi. They’ve been,” his lips curled into a naughty smile, “inseparable as of late.” 

The older prince rolled his eyes, shoving his brother’s head lightly. “You’ve been spending  way  too much time with Tetsu.”

Keiji accepted the invitation to lunch, dressing in his finest clothes to meet his father-in-law. A teal-colored southern gown gifted to him by his mother. How he missed her and her constant meddling over his appearance. He might have regarded it annoying in the past but if Keiji was honest with himself, he always felt more beautiful with her guidance. 

He looked at himself in the mirror, seeing how the silk fabric hugged his body. The color matched his eyes, contrasting beautifully with the darkness of his hair and the fairness of his skin. The beading on the dress was especially lovely, with copper, coral, and silver-colored shells accenting the border. Keiji’s attendant came in to paint a light sheen of red on his lips and adorn his neck with an intricate mesh of pearls and white stones. He then walked out of the room, surprised to see Koutarou waiting for him. 

The older prince stood up, intense eyes focusing on the omega like always. His gaze, however, felt deeper than usual and Keiji worried he had overdone it. Maybe the jewelry was a bit much, or perhaps it was the dress itself. 

“Is everything alright?” he asked experimentally.  

Koutarou chuckled, “More than alright.” He softened his gaze, “Just wondering what I must have done in my past life for fate to have blessed me with the most beautiful person in the entire universe.”

It was as if someone had set his body on fire. Keiji burned from the inside, heart racing as he turned red from his cheeks to his palms. He covered his face, “Must you embarrass me with this sweet talk?” 

“What can I say, Keiji? I’m a good honest man,” Koutarou said, reaching his arm out. “Shall we?” 

Chapter Text

In the summer, Daichi was crowned as the new king of the Southern Kingdom. The celebrations were extravagant, lasting for days upon days, an endless daze of music and parties and dancing. It was by order of his father, that this coronation be the grandest of all before. 

That being said, royalty from every part of the country and beyond flocked to the golden city to take part in the festivities. It was also a fact that Keiji had the biggest role of all. As the newest jewel of the Southern kingdom and future mother to the heir, he was to make the utmost impression on the visitors.

The omega was ordered to remain with Koutarou as they made their rounds together. It was expressed as a safety precaution, and Koushi was similarly ordered to stay under Hajime’s protection. 

“I’m sorry,” his fiancé had whispered to him in passing moments, “I am well aware that you can defend yourself.” 

Keiji was more than happy to be stuck with the alpha though he never bothered to pardon the apology. Word of their engagement had reached far and wide and the easterner was set to squash any and all rumors spread since their initial meeting. The veil he donned had earned him a reputation with the unmated jealous omegas of the kingdom.

Haven’t you heard? Prince Koutarou was tricked into marrying an ugly hag from the Eastern kingdom. 

Anything’s possible when you’ve got status!

I hear the omega’s 20 years older than him… 

I’ve seen the bitch with my own eyes. Almost went blind. 

It didn’t bother Keiji what other omegas thought of him. But frankly, he loved the stares and gaping jaws that greeted him as he was displayed on Koutarou’s arm. He looked beautiful and more importantly he felt beautiful.

 His hair had grown in the months gone by, now reaching his nape in gentle wisps. For the occasion, it was curled slightly and adorned with emeralds of all sizes. His mother had dressed him, draping him in a floor-length deep green gown. Perhaps what Keiji liked best were the golden accents about the borders of the dress, holding a hue almost identical to that of his fiancé’s eyes. 

Together, the pair must have greeted thousands. First, it was the twin princes from Inarizaki, a small island country off the Southern coast. 

“Kou!” the blonde twin shouted, throwing his arms around the alpha and practically tackling him down. “You rascal! I haven't seen you in 4 years and then all of a sudden you’ve got yourself a little wife?” he beamed. 

Koutarou chuckled. “It’s certainly been a while, Atsumu,” he turned to the other twin, “Osamu,” he lowered his head. 

“Tsumu, don’t misspeak,” Osamu said nonchalantly, “They are yet to be engaged, let alone husband and wife.” He took Keiji’s hand in his, bringing it to his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Keiji-san.” 

Before the omega could respond, he felt Koutarou’s hand slip onto his waist, bringing him closer. A quick gesture but one that could speak a thousand words. The most important being back off. 

The alpha’s hand didn’t move from its place at his hips even after the twins left, making Keiji blush at Koutarou’s territorial side. The next to greet the pair was Wakatoshi-san, the newly crowned king of the Northern Kingdom and Koutarou’s cousin. 

“It seems that you’re doing well Koutarou,” the taller alpha spoke sternly, “Though, the last time we spoke it didn’t seem like you would be taking on a wife anytime soon.” 

“Ah, well,” he grinned, “It’s not every lifetime someone like Keiji appears before you.” 

The words felt bittersweet. On the one hand, Keiji felt that his heart could melt at the words. Yet, he wondered if the sweet praise was all a facade. Was it all to truly convince the others that their union would be one of utmost love? It was the moments like this that made him ponder if the other had feelings for him as well. 

Wakatoshi sighed. “You’re lucky to have such an obedient omega. Tooru refuses to be seen with me during public events.” 

Keiji cringed at the label of obedient . He could feel his fiancé tense at the words as well. Encapsulating all the old-fashioned expectations that alphas had placed on omegas over the years. It surprised him to hear someone their age express such demeaning sentiment.

Koutarou cleared his throat. “That’s right, congratulations on your engagement!” 

Keiji looked around the room for the familiar face of the other omega. Everyone in the room was dressed elegantly, exotic stones decorating their necks, ears and wrists. Hair done up and gowns illuminated by the golden chandeliers, yet the easterner’s eyes could find true beauty so easily. 

There he was, wine glass in hand and surrounded by alphas and betas practically drooling from their lips. Tooru, first prince of the Western Kingdom, known by royals and commoners alike as the most beautiful omega in the entire country. 

Keiji had known him from finishing school, where Tooru, his senior, had earned a similar reputation. He remembered the westerner, gorgeous chocolate brown locks and eyes, tall, with the most elegant laugh. 

At annual balls and banquets Tooru always attracted a cloud of suitors, so much so that there were barely any left for the rest of them. While the other omegas looked at him with contempt and jealousy, Keiji quite respected the man. It was clear the older omega held no interest in the alphas themselves but in their obedience and attention. He had them all wrapped around his pretty finger. An unconventional way for an omega to act, and that was precisely the reason Keiji so admired him.

 It was strange that someone like Tooru would accept such a fate. 

“What a shame,” Koutarou leaned down to whisper once Wakatoshi had bowed goodbye, “With the way things were looking, I would have expected Tooru to succeed the Western king. 

“If only…” Keiji trailed off. He had sincerely hoped that with an influential omega holding the throne of the Western kingdom, there could be reforms. Reforms that could change the way his secondary gender could be viewed. Done away with the stereotypes for good. It would be too painful to wait another generation to see real progress. 

It was at that moment that Hajime was spotted, pacing around looking pale as a ghost. He locked eyes with the pair, making his way tensely. 

“I was wondering what kind of stupidity you were up to,” Koutarou said, ruffling his brother's hair. “You know, you could at least try looking a little more approachable for today-” 

“I can’t find Koushi-san.”  

Koutarou visibly tensed. “What do you mean you can’t find him?” he said with a tone Keiji hadn’t heard in months. Not since their first spar. 

Hajime breathed roughly. “We had just finished talking to Suguru-san, and then he said he wasn’t feeling well and said he wanted to rest in the room.” 

“And did you escort him to the palace?” the older alpha concerned. 

“Well, I offered. But he insisted on being alone and then when I went to check on him an hour later he was gone.”

“Oh lord,” Koutarou exhaled, brows furrowing. “Please tell me that Daichi is unaware?” 

Hajiime rolled his eyes. “Of course. Do you take me for an idiot?”

“Certainly. Only an idiot could put the future queen in danger like this,” the older alpha whisper-shouted. 

“Hajime-san, have you checked the gardens?” Keiji asked quickly. 

“They were off limits. It would have been impossible for him to get through the guards stationed.” 

Keiji narrowed his eyes. “I’ll find him,” he said, slipping from Koutarou’s side and starting for the omega’s gardens. 

“Then I shall accompany you,” Hajime followed behind him before being stopped by his brother’s arm. He looked at him confusedly. 

“I hardly believe it to be necessary,” Koutarou assured. He turned to his fianceé, “I’ll leave it to you, Keiji.” 

The omega walked quickly, face flushed. Koutarou’s words had such an influence on him, it was no wonder the alpha was the commander of the southern military. Any omega would take pride in becoming his wife, and Keiji found that he was no different. They were to be engaged in a week. In just one week, Koutarou would place inside him the heir to the Southern crown…and then what? His duty to the crown and his promise to his brother would be fulfilled. Would he cast Keiji aside once their child had been well nurtured in his belly? Would he even spare a glance after pregnancy had wrecked his omega’s body? 

Aside from the alpha, Keiji was scared for himself. All his life, he banished the idea of marriage from his future, let alone having a child. Surely he could never spar ever again, too lethargic from the hormones. And the pain, oh God the pain that he would feel as the baby wreaked havoc on his insides. He sighed, putting it off while the internal conflict dissipated as he approached the gardens, slipping through the guards quite easily with their inattentiveness. 

Koushi really had transformed the place as Keiji walked through an arch of beautiful light pink peonies. There was a fragrant smell that resonated through the air, a pleasant summer breeze. Keiji watched the butterflies that danced about, blue wings of the morpho intermingling with the golden of the monarch. It reminded him of something tender. 

Then he spotted the older omega overlooking the water, hair decorated with dainty crystals and lilacs hanging from silver waves. Keiji observed him for a while as he sat in the stone pavilion. A red nose, and the occasional staggered breath indicated that he had been crying. 

Keiji approached slowly. “This really is the best place to cry,” he cut through the quiet, startling the other omega. 

“Keiji!” Koushi jumped, quickly wiping his eyes with his sleeves, “Has the party commenced already?” he asked quickly.

“No,” the eastern giggled, “But I was looking for you.” 

“Oh Hajime must be worried!” he began to get up, “We must return before they-” 

Keiji took the other’s palm in his, taking a seat next to the omega. “Well, I don’t believe that to be the best idea. Your eyes are still filled with tears.”

Koushi sat back down, taking a deep breath. He leaned his head over Keiji’s shoulder. He was quiet for a while. “Sometimes I wonder if I am really to be the queen of the Southern kingdom.” 

The dark haired omega was stunned. “Whatever are you talking about? Koushi, there is no one more fit to be queen than you.” 

“You need not lie to me, Keiji,” the northerner spoke promptly. “In many ways, I find myself lacking in how I can be of use to Daichi. I should be by his side right now, and yet I can’t seem to leave the comfort of these gardens.”

Keiji attempted to make sense of their conversation. “Has my cousin offended you in any way?” He recalled that Koushi had conversed with the alpha prior to his departure from the party. “Suguru has a habit of getting under the skin, I wouldn’t pay it much thought, whatever lies he must have spouted.” 

“Indeed, it was Suguru-san’s words that have upset me. But lies…hardly.” 

They waited a few moments in silence, just listening to the twittering of the birds. Keiji spoke hesitantly, “May I hear?” 

“Oh dear Keiji, I don’t believe this is something you will understand,” Koushi shook his head. 

“Understanding or not is out of the question. I simply cannot stand seeing you upset.” 

The older omega sighed. “Daichi and I have been sharing a bed for months now. Furthermore, our affairs are almost nightly.”

Keiji raised his eyebrows, “That’s…wonderful,” he said, unsure just what his friend was getting at. 

“Hardly!” Koushi shouted, jumping up and starling a few chirping birds. “Without fail, we consummate. During my heats and his ruts, we’ve never missed a chance,” he cried desperately. “And yet…” the omega drew his brows together, lowering himself back onto the bench, “I cannot seem to locate even the most menial signs of pregnancy.” He put a hand to his stomach, sighing. “I fear that something may be wrong with me…” 

Keiji recalled his cousin at the moment. Mika and Suguru had married around the same time Koushi had come to the Southern Kingdom, and so the alpha found it necessary to boast about his wife’s pregnancy. “Was it that snake who put such ideas into your mind? Koushi, Suguru’s words are hardly-” 

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while!” Koushi interrupted, “And I know Daichi sees it too, by the way he summons a doctor at my every fatigue.” 

“Perhaps he simply cares for you,” Keiji reasoned, “He loves you.” 

The older omega became solemn. “I don’t doubt his affections for me. But if he’s sacrificed so much for an omega who cannot even bear his children, then I would feel most guilty.” 

Keiji was stunned. Just moments ago, he had been dreading the thought of becoming pregnant and yet now, he was faced with an omega who wanted nothing more. He couldn’t understand the omegas who placed their self worth on child bearing. “You mustn't fret on these matters. After all, these things take time.” 

Koushi turned to him with a stern expression. “How much longer am I to wait? Your cousin is expecting after only mere months of marriage.” 

Keiji remembered a crucial bit of information just then. “My cousin and Mika-san, they…” he paused, deliberating on whether he could so casually reveal a royal secret. He reminded himself that while Koushi was practically family, he would also become a royal himself after the wedding. The easterner continued, “they only married because Suguru got her pregnant.” 

The northern deep brown eyes widened. “You’re certain?” 

Keiji smiled, “Yes. She was one of the many girls he was fooling around with at the time. It just so happened that she announced her pregnancy immediately.” 

“So, they weren’t in love?” Koushi said, sounding unusually dejected.

“Absolutely not,” Keiji assured, “Mika-san is lucky that she’s from a noble family, otherwise Eastern royalty would have never allowed the marriage. She would have become like Suguru's other playthings, with a tarnished reputation and stuck caring for his illegitimate children.”

The older omega was quiet. 

Keiji cleared his throat. “In a way, it’s better for the pregnancy to come once you and Daichi-san are formally married. Besides, you are already set to become the Southern queen. At this point, a child would be of no advantage-” 

Koushi cut him off with a laugh. “You believe I would use my child for some kind of advantage? I truly pity you children of nobility, brainwashed into thinking of a baby as some political gain.” 

The eastern omega scoffed. “Well forgive me, but I do recall that the only reason for my marriage is to have a baby. Politics or not, you forget that you are allowed by Daichi-san’s side solely for my ability.” 

The northerner was speechless. “I apologize, that was selfish of me to say,” he straightened himself out.

Keiji softened his tone. “No no, I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I just…Why are you so keen on having a baby? It could ruin your body, no it might even kill you. And all the responsibilities of being a mother are just thrown onto you, and all the expectations, and-” 

“Calm down Keiji,” the older omega spoke softly, “Are these your own anxieties?” 

He nodded, sighing. “I can’t understand why someone could wish so deeply for a child despite knowing the risks.” 

“Take a deep breath. Think about all the things you like about Koutarou-san. His hair maybe, or his loyalty. His voice…Surely, there’s something that comes to mind?”

There were many things that came to Keiji’s mind. He loved Koutarou’s compassion, even more so his commanding nature. How he could lead even the largest army to victory time and time again. He loved his honesty, his tender ways of complimenting Keiji. He loved the way he sparred, that beautiful body with a hundred battle scars. He loved his hands, the way he touched Keiji with just enough passion to send his heart racing. His lips, his teeth, his smile. But most of all, he loved those eyes. Koutarou’s eyes that were golden in the sun and amber in the dark, like a wolf stalking his prey in the dead of night. The way those eyes took him in, with kindness, understanding, respect. 

Koushi spoke again, “All the things that came to mind just now, imagine loving them so much that you could practically replicate them from within your own body. Everything you loved about the other person, their features, their personality, imagine it in a little creation of your own.” 

Keiji could see the vision of their golden eyed baby, running to him with a wooden sword in hand, ready to show off the techniques his golden eyed father had taught him. 

“Did you think about it?” the other omega asked. 

“Yes.” 

“And?” 

“It was beautiful.”

_ 

It was abnormal to see so many attendants scuttering about Keiji’s quarters so early in the morning, but the current day was special. After months and months of waiting, the day of his formal engagement to Koutarou had arrived. 

The ceremony began immediately after lunch, a long process as it was to include three different sets of customs: Southern and Northern customs for Koutarou’s heritage and Eastern ones for Keiji’s.

First came the northern traditions, which Keiji was informed about by Koushi and Koutarou’s mother. Northern brides emphasized simplicity, so Keiji was dressed in a simple white gown. He wore no jewelry or makeup, only a few feathers and braids in his short hair. The groom would be dressed simply as well in black pants and a black shirt. The pair stood side by side in front of the crowd of royals that stayed back from the coronation to watch. Koutarou was given 3 strips of leather, which he placed behind the omegas neck, braiding them into an intricately woven garland. Once he was finished, Keiji was given leather strips of his own, and instructed to weave them around Koutarou’s neck in a different pattern. 

The eastern ceremony was next, for which he wore a flowy, light pink, robe-like dress. His jewelry, consisting of tiny crystals around his neck and ears, along with a matching set of anklets and bracelets. Koutarou was dressed similarly in a robe-like tunic. For the ceremony, Keiji would need to paint the eastern family crest above Koutarou’s heart, and the alpha would return the gesture by painting the southern family crest above Keiji’s. It would symbolize the union of two families through the hearts of a couple. They were instructed into a separate room, and Koutarou untied his robe so that Keiji could paint over his chest. The omega dipped a brush into some black ink, dragging across Koutarou’s skin and watching as goosebumps began to litter his pectorals. Next Keiji slid his own robe down his shoulders, stopping above his breasts. The alpha took the ink this time, tracing the southern crest over the omega’s heart carefully. Koutarou laughed when the other shivered, asking if it tickled. 

The Southern ceremony was put off until the evening, where it would be conducted during the sunset. Perhaps the most important of all, the entirety of it was explained to Keiji well in advance. 

“The ceremony comes from ancient southern lore.” a priest explained, “Hundreds of years ago, it is said that the god of the sun fell in love with the god of the ocean. Blinded by his feelings, the sun disappeared into the horizon to remain with the ocean and while he was away, all the life from the surface of the earth and within the water withered away. Noticing this, the other gods were furious, and so they ripped the lovers apart, forbidding them from meeting. However, the two lovers could not bear to be separated, and so the sun made a deal with the moon. For half the day, the sun would watch over the earth and then the moon would take over. While the moon watched over, the sun would descend into the sea to spend time with the ocean. Then in the morning, he would leave his beloved, perform his duties and long for the hours to move.” 

They traveled to the shores of the Southern sea to complete the final ceremony. For the occasion, a simple white cloth wrapped around Keiji’s chest and around his waist in a skirt. Koutarou had a similar white cloth wrapped around his legs like pants. A priest approached with a red string, tying one end to the omega’s finger and the other to the alpha’s. 

Keiji recalled the story. The bride and groom must step into the ocean, right as the sun begins to touch the horizon. The tide is high and the waves become more powerful, like the god of the ocean becoming restless waiting for the sun to come home. They must stand in the water while the waves tug at the string, until the sun has completely disappeared. If the string is still intact, it means that the couple is fated and blessed by the ocean to remain together despite all adversities. 

As Keiji and Koutarou stepped into the waves hand in hand, the priest’s words echoed in his head. “It’s perfectly fine if the string breaks. After all, that’s just superstition and you will still be considered engaged regardless.” 

Keiji became nervous as the waves thrashed violently against them. Even though there weren’t any stakes, the easterner deeply wished that the string would stay. Finally, the sun had fully disappeared and Koutarou suggested that the two head back to the shore. The alpha held his hand as they walked out to the crowd, illuminated by a bonfire. To the omega’s delight, the red string remained tied between their fingers. There was large applause as Koutarou showed it off to the crowd. 

_ 

Once the engagement was over, it came time for the most important moment of Keiji’s life. The first night. The night he had been dreading, been waiting for since the second he stepped foot in the Southern kingdom. He was taken to a room where various attendants fussed over him, scrubbing every inch of his body and rubbing various scented oils into his skin. A red pigment was rubbed onto his lips and cheeks, and embarrassingly placed on his nipples and around his hole. A pretty string of pearls was placed around his neck with matching earrings. Then he was slipped into an almost sheer nightgown and sent to wait on the bed of the main palace. 

Keiji waited on the bed, heart beating in his ears. He certainly was anxious, after all it would be his first time. That being said he was scared he wouldn’t be able to please the alpha. Suddenly, there was a click and the door opened as Koutarou stepped inside. He looked fresh from a bath, hair damp and dark. Attractive, so very attractive. The omega watched as his fiancé’s eyes roamed his body, tongue darting out to lick his lips. Keiji wondered if he did it unknowingly. Reality seemed to sink in when the prince began to unbutton his shirt, and the easterner sucked a breath in. 

Unexpectedly, Koutarou handed the omega his shirt, looking away from his body as he did so. “Here, you can wear this.”

“What?” Keiji furrowed his brow. 

“Surely you are uncomfortable sleeping like this.” 

The alpha walked over to the other side of the bed, opening a drawer and pulling out a small dagger. He ran it along his palm, clenching his fist and squeezing a few drops of red onto the bed sheets.

“What are you-” 

“They will check the sheets,” Koutarou said firmly. “To ensure that you’ve bled. That I’ve broken you in.” 

Keiji was speechless. “But, we are expected to-” 

“I know what we are expected to do,” the alpha said rather curtly.

He walked over to the couch on the other side of the room. “I’ll sleep here. Wake me if you need anything.” 

Koutarou turned over, leaving his bride startled, confused and most of all…disappointed. 

Chapter Text

It took a while for Keiji to fall asleep. He took off his jewelry, first the earrings then the necklace, placing the pearls on the empty covers beside him. He untied the robe from his body, folding it neatly beside him and put on Koutarou’s shirt, large enough that it slipped off his shoulder on one side. He looked back at the robe, beautiful and sheer with hand-sewn embroidery. It must have taken months to create, but Keiji ripped it down the middle, throwing it on the floor. Surely it added to the evidence of their “night of passion”. 

The omega rested on his side, holding back tears. How embarrassing it would be to cry with the alpha in the room. To act spoiled like a child seemed beneath him. But truly, Keiji felt humiliated. Was he so undesirable that Koutarou couldn’t even share a bed? His fears came rushing back, seeping into his conscience like a bad omen. 

Maybe Keiji had misunderstood the time they spent together, the sweet talk, the glances, the touches. Maybe, in the process of getting to know him, Koutarou decided there were things he didn’t like. Maybe the alpha preferred a more nurturing omega, someone motherly. Someone softer, someone more sensitive, someone more traditional, someone else. Keiji began to feel nauseous, clutching his stomach as he pushed his face into the pillow. If he wasn’t so exhausted from the day’s festivities the omega could have spent the whole night picking apart his situation. Instead, he curled his knees to his chest and closed his eyes. 

_ 

The sound of banging at the door startled Keiji awake. 

“Commander!” a voice shouted, followed by more frantic knocking. 

Koutarou was up and moving across the room before the omega could sit up against the headboard. 

“Stay there,” the alpha said to him, holding a hand out as he opened the door. “What is the meaning of this,” he snarled at the intruder. 

Keiji shuddered at his tone wondering if their unwelcome guest was cowering as well. If Koutarou’s aura wasn’t intimidating enough, his pheromones were a hundred times more powerful. 

“Sir, pardon me!” Suddenly a soldier entered the room, to which Keiji frantically pulled the covers up to his body. 

“How dare you enter here!” The alpha shouted, quickly pinning him to the floor by the neck. “Surely you have a death wish, interrupting today of all days.” 

Keiji remained frozen with fear as the soldier choked out his words. “Commander,” he gasped for air, “The northern border has been infiltrated! Enemy forces have begun advancing into the Northern Kingdom!” 

Koutarou jumped up onto his feet helping the terrified soldier from the floor. “When was this message received?” 

“I ran here the second it came through, sir.”

“Inform the troops that I am on my way as we speak. Ready my horse and supplies.” 

Keiji ran from the bed once the visitor had left. “Are you leaving now?” he asked desperately. 

“I must,” the alpha said as he gathered the belongings he had left on the couch. “My troops need a commander.” 

“What about me?” 

Koutarou continued to move around the room. “You shall remain here with the rest of the royal family and out of harm's way.” 

“No.” Keiji grabbed the alpha’s hand, keeping him still. “What will become of me if…if something is to happen to you?” 

They locked eyes for a moment, Koutarou’s lips parting, ready to speak. “I shall inform my brother that we have not consummated. If I do not return, then your freedom will be restored and you have the choice to go back to the Eastern Kingdom.” The alpha cupped the omega’s face, stroking a thumb over his cheek. “It will be like you wanted.” 

Just then, tears began to blur Keiji’s vision, blue eyes becoming glossy. Maybe months ago it would have been what he desired, but now? The omega was in love, deeply. His heart beat fast.  “How could I want that?” he said shakily. “After the impact you’ve had on my life…how do you expect me to simply leave you behind?” 

“Keiji, you…” 

“How could I live a future without you?” The tears began to stream down his face. Never in a million years would Keiji expect to throw himself so vulnerable at an alpha. “How could I ever forget you?” 

“How- How long have you felt this way?” Koutarou asked, voice unsteady. 

Keiji looked away. “I can’t remember, I just-” 

The wonderful sensation of lips on his shut him up. Not just any lips, they were the lips he had dreamed of kissing for so long. He closed his eyes, sighing into Koutarou’s mouth as the other’s hands moved to the side of his neck. 

The alpha smiled against his lips, parting with a low chuckle. 

“Koutarou…” the omega whispered, head buzzing from the sensation. His skin burned at the places the other touched. 

“As if I couldn’t be more infatuated by you,” he took Keiji’s hands into his, bringing them to his lips. “Keiji, I love you. For quite some time I’ve loved you.” 

It didn’t make sense. If the alpha loved him, then how could he so easily turn him down? Keiji wondered if the love he spoke of included attraction. “Then why did you leave me last night…” he replied, shyly. 

“I couldn’t possibly force you. I thought that it might have been too early…I wanted to take it slow.” 

Keiji felt relief flush over his body. “Koutarou, please let me come with you.”

The alpha’s expression turned dark. “Absolutely not,” he said firmly, “if anything should happen to you, I could never forgive myself.” 

“And what makes you think I don’t feel the same?” Keiji persisted. “If something happens to you? I must be the first to know…If I can’t be the first to honor your name…” 

Koutarou captured his lips in a kiss once more. “Where did you learn to talk like that,” he rubbed his thumb over Keiji’s bottom lip. He sighed, “Alright, I will make the arrangements, but promise me that you’ll be careful.” 

“Koutarou, it’s you who must promise to be careful,” he spoke desperately.  

Those golden eyes looked at him with such truth, that the omega just had to take his word. With a few more pecks to his lips, Koutarou said goodbye. 

_ 

Waiting proved to be agonizing for the young omega. He was worried enough for his future mate, scared that something could have gone wrong in the mere hours gone by, but Keiji calmed with the knowledge that his alpha was strong enough to handle himself. He trusted Koutarou’s judgment, his character, and his strength. 

Keiji was brought a new robe once the sun had risen, staff crowding into the room to get him dressed. To the omega’s shock, Koutarou’s mother had entered the room along with the staff. He grudgingly wondered if the older omega was there to check the bedding, as confirmation that the pair had joined bodies. But before he could properly address his mate’s mother, the Northern queen came forward, hugging him deeply. 

“I’m so sorry, Keiji,” he said into the easterner’s shoulder. “What a terrible fate for Koutarou to have to leave now.” 

“Has something happened to him?” Keiji sucked in a breath, praying that all had been well. 

“No, my dear. He has reached the Northern Kingdom safely.” Koutarou’s mother hugged him tighter. “Oh, you still smell just like him.” 

The easterner realized that he was still clad in the alpha’s shirt, thankful that he decided to wear it instead of the sheer robe. He cleared his throat, “Your majesty, is there a reason you came to visit me so early in the morning?” 

The northern queen released his embrace. “Certainly,” he said, looking at Keiji with the same intensity as his beloved. Upon closer inspection, Koutarou deeply resembled his mother, although the beautiful gold eyes were replaced with a regal purple instead. “Keiji, I’ve heard that you requested to be sent to the Northern kingdom. I fear that you don’t understand the severity of the situation.” 

Keiji exhaled. “I appreciate your concern, but I’ve already made up my mind.” 

“You must understand,” he said firmly, “There is simply too large of a risk to send you.” 

“I am aware that there are risks, countless ones. But it’s all worth it to know that my mate is safe and well in front of my own eyes.”

The Northern Queen’s gaze softened. “While I do admire your devotion to my son, I care about your safety as well. I am speaking to you as a former northern royal…and an omega as well.” 

Keiji could understand what the queen was saying. The barbarians beyond the northern borders were ruthless beyond comparison, and stories of their conquests had ignited fear in omegas across the country. Before Koutarou’s father had united the kingdoms, the barbarians would abuse the weaker military of the Northern Kingdom. To truly provoke the northern royal family, they would abduct the omegas and female betas, committing unspeakable crimes. 

“I am fortunate that I was never captured, but my eldest sister,” the older omega paused, recalling a terrible memory. “She was returned to us, so traumatized, so…mutilated that she ended her own life.” 

Keiji took the queen’s hand in his own. “Thank you for worrying about me, your highness. But I assure you, that I am capable of defending myself and my honor.” 

“I know you are skilled in many aspects of battle, my dear,” he smiled, “My boy constantly praises your abilities and splendor.” 

Keiji blushed. 

“But,” the northern queen began again, glancing at the red on the bed sheets, “There may be a chance that the heir of the Southern Kingdom has already begun to form in your womb. The stress will be a risk to your health.”  

The easterner felt unsteady lying to his mother-in-law, yet he knew he could use the lie to his advantage. He brought the older omega’s hand to his lower abdomen. “If god forbid, something happens to my husband…How could I live knowing that this baby never got to hear his father’s voice? Koutarou’s baby…how could he ever survive without knowing the touch of his father?”

Before the young omega could speak further, Koutarou’s mother hugged him deeply. “Oh, you couldn’t be more correct!” he said tearfully. “Keiji, you will be in my prayers but please promise me that you will be careful.” 

Keiji sighed in relief, returning the embrace. “Yes, I will take care.”  

_ 

The omega packed his most modest belongings only. Practical clothing and whatnot, none of the hundreds of beautiful dresses he owned would be brought along. Shirts and trousers, coats and boots, as it would soon be autumn in the Northern kingdom. 

He departed the next day at dawn, hands clasped in his lap, praying that Koutarou had been safe in his time away. The carriage ride dragged on for hours along the safest route through the mainland. They stopped in the western kingdom for the night, staying in the palace before they could depart the next morning. 

He was received by the Western king and queen themselves, given a room to freshen up, and then invited to dinner. 

“I thank you for your hospitality, your Highnesses,” the omega bowed before sitting. 

“You are most welcome, Keiji-san. It is only natural that we would open our arms to the newest member of the Southern family,” the queen spoke. 

Keiji looked around the table, noticing the many empty seats. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting, I understand that it is very late.” 

“Nonsense!” the king laughed, “Our family has become small since my nephew Tobio left for boarding school. Right now it’s just us and,” he paused, turning towards one of the empty seats. 

The queen continued, “Tooru is here but…he-” 

“No, this insolence ends now. I won’t allow him to act like this when we have a guest present!” The Western king called a servant over. “Order that boy to join us this instant!” 

Keiji was confused. If Tooru was engaged to Wakatoshi-san then why wasn’t he in the Northern kingdom? 

The sound of heels clacking on marble became louder and louder minutes later. Tooru walked in, so beautiful that Keiji felt his breath catch in his throat. His long brown hair was tied into a braid, adorned with white roses and he wore a lovely, floor-length, blue evening gown.

“There you are, my darling! Look who is visiting for the evening.” The queen pointed to Keiji.

The older omega’s lips curled into a smile. “How do you do, Keiji-san?” 

The easterner blushed. “I am alright, Tooru-san. And you?”

“Why, I couldn’t be better,” he said sarcastically, taking a seat in front of Keiji. 

Dinner was served and the Western king and queen made extensive conversation with the younger omega. 

“Keiji, when our very own Daichi informed us that you would be traveling north to support your husband, we contemplated sending Tooru with you,” the king said. 

The dark-haired omega swallowed his food. “Is that so?” 

“Yes indeed,” the queen added, “We felt that you would be a wonderful influence on him.” 

At her words, Tooru stabbed the food on his plate with a knife loudly. The whole table looked over to see that the omega’s plate had broken in half. He got up, seat scraping against the floor, and knocked his glass clean off the table shattering it before storming off. 

Servants scrambled to the mess on the floor and the king let out an exasperated sigh. “What to do with such disobedience?” 

_ 

Once dinner was over, Keiji politely excused himself to rest. After a shower, he entered his room and dressed in a nightgown placed on the bed. It would be another 2 days of travel before he would reach the base, and the thought that something could go wrong in those critical next hours terrified him. 

There was a knock at his door, and outside was Tooru. 

“Hello Keiji-san,” he said casually, “Allow me to apologize for my behavior at dinner.” 

“Oh it’s quite alright,” the younger omega replied, fully understanding the frustrations of being compared to another omega. Suddenly, Tooru stepped into the room. 

“Tooru-san, I should be getting some rest-” 

“Oh don’t worry, I won't keep you long.” He smiled and Keiji felt compelled to let him speak. Tooru’s demeanor shifted rapidly. “I thought you were different. I thought you were like me.” 

The easterner cocked his head to the side. “I’m not following.” 

“We shared the same fate,” Tooru squinted, “Denied our birthrights and then shipped off to marry some alpha as a coverup.”  

Keiji was silent. 

“But you…what are you doing, parading about as a faithful omega following his alpha onto the battlefield. This is hardly the underclassman I knew.” 

It certainly was a trip back to reality for the younger omega. “I-” 

“You cannot speak,” Tooru scoffed, “I believe I’ve wasted my time.” 

“Wait!” Keiji shouted before the older omega could leave the room. “I am like you. Precisely like you had described but…things have changed.” 

The Westerner laughed. “How pathetic. What, you’ve fallen in love? With an alpha?” 

Keiji grimaced. “Is that such a crime? To fall in love with someone who respects you? Someone who treats you like an equal?” 

He was upset. Upset at anyone who, for a second, grouped Koutarou in with all the terrible alphas of the world. Keiji’s mate was different. So incredibly different that he managed to change the omega’s entire disposition in mere months. And now that they had confirmed feelings for each other, there was nothing holding him back. 

“Forgive me,” Tooru giggled, “I know that comparing Koutarou and Wakatoshi is unreasonable. Perhaps I’m simply…jealous.” 

The older omega stepped a foot out the door. “I wish you the best of luck.” 

“Tooru-san,” Keiji said quickly, the other turning back. “My opportunity to rule my kingdom has passed, but…you must know that you have the support of the Southern family. 

The Westerner’s lips curled into a smirk, eyes becoming sharp. “I’ll keep that in mind,” he said sweetly before leaving the room. 

_ 

The ride up to the Northern border was extremely nerve-racking. Thousands of villages were charred by fires or wiped from the land entirely. Northern civilians could be seen wandering about aimlessly, searching for food, water, and shelter. It made Keiji pray that his fiancé was alive and well. 

The omega reached the camp right before sundown, two days after leaving the Western palace. He walked through, respected by soldiers and cadets who lowered their heads. 

“Keiji-sama,” a soldier greeted, “Allow me to show you to your quarters.” 

They walked past many interesting sights. A large bonfire with several chefs cooking large portions of simple food and stables for the animals amongst other things. There was a particularly large tent, which soldiers walked out from clad in loosely draped towels. Keiji looked away quickly. 

His guide laughed. “Don’t worry your highness, this bath is for the soldiers only. Koutarou-sama has a private one.” 

They passed an infirmary tent, and the groans and pained sounds from within scared the omega slightly. The atmosphere had been rather cheerful up until then, but the number of injured soldiers reminded Keiji of the true war scene. They made it to Koutarou’s quarters where Keiji would be staying as well, for enhanced safety. 

Keiji thanked the soldier. “Where might I be able to bathe?” he asked, feeling particularly dirty from the days of traveling. 

From his belongings, the omega unpacked a long-sleeved nightgown and a robe, along with his undergarments and a towel before heading for the bath. He found his way to the tent, steam exiting when he opened the flaps. Keiji’s eyes went wide, nearly dropping the bundle in his arms upon entering. 

A head of silver hair was slumped against the edge of the wash basin, broad, muscular shoulders spread like wings along the rim. The faint scent of bay leaf in the air inside, almost making Keiji emotional to see that Koutarou was alive and well.

“Konoha, I thought I specified that I wouldn’t be disturbed,” the alpha growled out. The pheromones in the air suddenly changed rapidly. “Keiji…” he said more relaxed, without even turning around. 

The alpha looked at his mate, observing the clothes in his hands. “I’ve yet to wash so the water is still clean,” he said as he prepared to stand up. 

“No no, I shall come back later,” the omega apologized quickly. He headed for the door before a thought occurred. “Koutarou, shall I wash your back?” 

His fiance turned back before laughing heartily. “If you’d like to.” 

Keiji sat on a stool by the tub, rolling up his sleeves and rubbing lather into his palms. Then he ran his hands along Koutarou’s skin. All this time, he had admired those bulging muscles from afar and now he could finally feel them under his fingers. He touched the scars, looking for new scratches or cuts and, thankfully, not finding any worth much concern. 

“Are all of these injuries from battle?” 

“Yes,” the alpha sighed, as Keiji massaged the tightness in his shoulders. 

“Do they still hurt?” the omega wondered, as he rubbed into Koutarou’s hair and scalp. He loved hearing the groans that his fiance let out. 

“Ahh, some of the deeper ones feel sore when I move the wrong way.” 

Keiji scooped water in a wooden bowl, pouring it over the alpha’s head, watching the suds trickle down his body and disappear into the water. Without warning, the alpha shook his head back and forth, spraying his fiancée. 

“Koutarou,” he giggled, “You’re like a dog.”

“I’m sorry, there was hair in my eyes!” Koutarou said, lightheartedly. He hesitated a moment, lips parting. “Hey Keiji,” his voice deep, “Will you let me return the favor?” 

Keiji shuddered, blushing pink when he realized what that would entail. He wanted Koutarou’s hands on his skin, so very badly. Wanted him to touch him in the ways that lovers do, in the ways that he was meant to on the day of their engagement. 

“I don’t mean to pressure you-” Koutarou began to say, stopping at the sound of clothes falling to the floor. 

Keiji undid each button of his shirt, slipping it off his shoulders, then began to work on his trousers. He slid the belt from his waist, pulling his pants down long legs and off. His breath was heavy as he undid the clasp of his bra leaving it with the rest of his clothes, nipples perking up when the steam of the room touched his bare skin. Then his heart thundered in his chest, sliding his panties off. 

He stepped foot in the water, a towel covering his body until Koutarou looked away. As much as he wanted the alpha, it still felt strange to completely expose himself to another. Keiji closed his eyes as the warmth surrounded his body, wading through until he was in front of the other. He shivered when he felt Koutarou’s chest on his back, skin feeling electric as they touched for the first time uncovered. 

The alpha picked up the shampoo that Keiji had left on the side, squeezing it into his hands and then working it into the other’s scalp. Those fingers felt so good that Keiji bit his lip to avoid making sounds. 

“I always wanted to touch your hair,” he said softly. “I imagined it to be soft like silk, but little did I know, it would feel ten times better.” He brushed against the fine hairs on his neck making Keiji hiss a little. 

Embarrassed, the omega carried on the conversation. “Maybe I should grow it out then.” 

“No, it’s perfect like this,” Koutarou replied quickly, “It’s neat and pretty. And I can see your nape so clearly. Like a swan.” He pressed his lips to the back of Keij’s neck.

The omega felt butterflies in his stomach. “You say the most exaggerated things, Koutarou.” 

“How can I help it, when everything about you is undeniably beautiful?” 

Koutarou picked up a clean washcloth, lathering it with soap and cleaning the omega’s body. He rubbed his neck, his shoulder blades, down his spine. Then he brought it back up and down his front. Across collar bones and down to his breasts. Keiji sucked in a breath, arching slightly when the alpha dragged the cloth over his nipples, the friction making them unbearably sensitive. 

The alpha took the wooden bowl, filling it with water and then pouring it over his fiancée’s head. He ran his hand through Keiji’s dark hair, slicking it back away from his forehead. Then he took the cloth in his hands again, bringing it to his stomach and down his torso. The omega sucked in a breath when the other rubbed dangerously close to his most personal place. He grabbed Koutarou’s wrist, reflexes acting on their own. 

“Is it too much?” the alpha whispered. 

For the young omega, it truly was too much. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t enjoying it. “No, it’s just…” Keiji bit his lip, “Won’t you touch me directly?” 

He could hear Koutarou’s breath hitch in his throat. The alpha pulled him back by the waist, surprising the easterner when he fell into the alpha’s lap, muscular thighs pressing into his own. The other came close to his ear, voice husky. “Can I really?” 

The washcloth was discarded to the side and suddenly hot lips were on his neck, sucking up and down. Keiji moaned when at the same time, rough palms rubbed all over his body. 

There was a voice from outside. “Is everything alright, commander?” 

The alpha wrapped a hand around his neck, tilting his head back and claiming his lips roughly. “I need you to be quiet for me,” Koutarou whispered against the other’s plush lips. 

“Yes Konoha, everything is fine!” he shouted back out. “Do you remember what I told you?” 

“Yes sir, forgive me. You will not be disturbed.” 

The alpha kept their lips connected so that all the sounds that spilled from the omega’s mouth could be masked. He resumed his attention on the omega’s body, cupping his soft breasts in large hands and thumbing at the nipples. He massaged them playfully, squeezing the buds with his fingers and making Keiji arch up, a soft whimper pulled from his throat. A burst of sweet pheromones followed. 

“Your body responds so beautifully,” the alpha praised. 

He snaked a hand down his stomach, stopping when his fingers brushed the fine hairs above Keiji’s aching place. The alpha moved elsewhere, stroking up the sides of lean thighs and underneath the omega’s sensitive knees. He teased around the area, not daring to venture into the younger man’s heat just yet, instead petting his inner thighs and feeling above his womb for a while. 

“Koutarou…” the omega said desperately, breaking the kiss to look down into the water at the alpha’s hand disappearing between his thighs. 

He threw his head back against his fiancé’s broad shoulder as one hand slipped between the folds of his sex, the other against his mouth to keep him quiet. Koutarou’s technique was reserved and gentle, teasingly sloppy but pleasurable nonetheless. 

“Have you been touched before?” he asked caringly, to which the omega shook his head. 

Keiji bucked up, water splashing when two fingers rubbed his clit delicately. He breathed heavily, spasming as the touch left him aching for more. 

“I’m the first?” Koutarou whispered into his ear before biting the top. 

“Mmm,” the omega cried desperately, unintentionally scenting the other’s neck as he picked up his pace. 

Suddenly, Keiji’s eyes went wide, an orgasm creeping up on his body. He started to whimper, to which Koutarou claimed his lips again. The alpha rubbed his clit in gentle circles until his hips stuttered, trembling for release. The omega grabbed onto his fiancé when his aching nerves finally gave in. He became so wet that he didn’t know what to do, mindlessly rubbing himself onto Koutarou’s muscular thighs to milk the pleasure. 

Keiji wasn’t in heat, but for some reason, he desperately wanted the other to push inside. He arched his back, hips drawn back and ass, flush against the other’s member. He felt it, hard and pulsing against him. Koutarou grabbed his hips firmly, holding them still. 

“Not here,” the alpha said, kissing Keiji’s nape. “I want to have you properly. Not in a camp full of soldiers. And certainly not when we have yet to cease fighting.” 

The omega squirmed against him, turning around to face his mate. He straddled him, thighs spread over the older man’s lap and hands behind his neck. Keiji kissed him deeply, an attempt at a distraction so that he could position himself above the other’s cock. The head brushed his slick opening before Koutarou grabbed him again. 

“Keiji,” he said unwaveringly, “As much as I want to…we can’t right now.” 

The easterner sighed. “I understand.” 

Koutarou kissed between his breasts, arms wrapping around his waist. “You should go get some rest.” He looked down into the water at his erectness. “I must take care of this.” 

_ 

Keiji slept soundly for the night, despite the cries of wild animals and the chatter of soldiers. Perhaps, it was because of Koutarou’s gentle arms that embraced him as he slept. He awoke only in the morning, feeling the alpha slip away to attend to his duties. 

Koutarou would leave for battle early in the mornings and return with the soldiers in the evenings. It was a scary sight, as some of the warriors would come limping or carried back by the others. Each day he would pray that Koutarou would remain unscathed. In the meantime, the omega took up duties in the infirmary tent, using his knowledge from books and time spent working under the Eastern royal doctor. 

Keiji discovered that after dinner, Koutarou and the generals would talk strategy. He had eavesdropped on conversations, purely with the intention of staying informed of the plans. One day, his fiancé noticed him listening from outside, and surprisingly, Keiji was invited inside, the alpha asking for his insight occasionally. It made the omega feel content that he could contribute to the war efforts, even if he wasn’t directly involved in combat. 

Then Koutarou didn’t return to the camp one evening. He didn’t come back the next day either and the day after as well. Worried, Keiji had asked the soldiers that returned each day if they had seen his fiancé.

“The commander is alive, your highness,” they would tell Keiji. “He is fighting hard and refuses to leave the battlefield no matter how much we urge.” 

Maybe this was why every fighter in the army admired him so, not just within the Southern kingdom but everywhere. Maybe it was why everyone admired Koutarou. His loyalty to a cause, his bravery, his valor.

The omega never realized how cold Northern nights were, sleeping in that bed without his alpha’s warmth. He hadn’t seen his mate for 5 days, and it terrified him to imagine that something had gone horribly wrong. 

Keiji jolted awake one night, the moon still high in the sky. A dream so sinister that he began to shake, tears welling in his eyes. He sat up, forehead slumped against his knees as he breathed heavily. In his dream, he watched as Koutarou’s severed head was staked on a spear, displayed like a trophy around the Southern palace. He truly hoped that it wasn’t a premonition. 

The omega needed some fresh air and so he left the tent. The wind fluttered around his nightgown, the frigid breeze, refreshing after such a heated nightmare. He hadn’t bothered to put on a sweater, not expecting to stay out longer than a few seconds. Suddenly, Keiji’s ears picked up the clopping of horse hooves. 

He squinted into the distance, relief filling his body when he saw the familiar brown coat of Koutarou’s horse and the even more familiar head of silver hair. He rushed over to greet his fiancé, the tears accumulating in his eyes again. 

Koutarou smelled terrible, but it didn’t matter to the omega. Keiji threw his arms around the other the moment he stepped off the horse. 

“Koutarou…” he choked out. 

The alpha kissed Keiji violently, like a starving man tasting food for the first time in years. His lips were rough from the dehydration and his unkempt stubble was rough along the omega’s chin. He grabbed him tightly. 

“Keiji,” he croaked, voice raspy. “We are victorious. I’ve assassinated their leader.” 

“That’s wonderful Koutarou,” he sighed, grabbing his alpha’s back. The easterner’s heart dropped when his hands began to feel sticky.

“Koutarou…?” He asked, fear once again climbing his spine when the alpha didn’t answer, instead huffing loudly by his ear. 

Suddenly, they fell to the floor as Koutarou pushed all his weight onto the omega, unable to stand on his own. He grabbed Keiji’s waist, so tight it was painful. 

“Somebody help us,” Keiji screamed out, mortified when he saw the hot red that painted his palms and forearms. He looked at his white nightgown, slowly turning crimson from the excessive amount of blood that was spewing from his fiancé. It was at that point that he noticed the four arrows sticking out from the alpha’s back and the dozens of other gashes that littered over his body. 

The omega wailed when soldiers dragged the alpha away from him and into a separate tent. He tried to follow them but Konoha held him back. 

“Your Highness, it’s not good for you to see him like this,” he said as he consoled the sobbing omega. “You shall visit him in the morning after the doctors have done their work.” 

“No!” Keiji shrieked, “I must help!”

“Keiji-sama,” the other said firmly, “You will only feel worse seeing him in that state. I assure you that the doctors will save the commander.” 

The omega calmed himself. “You’re right.” He looked at his appearance, sticky arms, and nightgown soiled with mud and wet blood. “I wish to take a shower, Konoha-san.” 

“Certainly, your majesty, I shall prepare the water.” 

“You will inform me when it is safe to see him,” the omega demanded, trying his best to appear strong. 

“You have my word, your majesty.” 

Chapter Text

The doctors had left the tent hours after Koutarou’s return. Keiji didn’t sleep, in fact, he couldn’t even if he wanted to. He felt a sinking feeling in his stomach, the fear that if he closed his eyes, then he would have to open them to a reality where his alpha breathed his last breath. 

The omega entered, tearing up when he saw the other. Bandages wrapped his body like a separate skin, over his chest, his arms, and even his legs. He was soaked with sweat, beading at his forehead as he trembled from fever, still very conscious and very much in pain.

Keiji lowered himself by the bed, picking up a basin of cold water left in the corner of the room. He wet a towel, dabbing the alpha’s forehead in an attempt to ease the fever. He looked at his lips, chewed and bloodied and the omega felt compelled to lean forward, touching their mouths together. Then he rested his head on the other’s chest, the place right above his heart where he had, thankfully, remained unscathed. Keiji listened to the steady rhythm for a while, eyes closing. Then he felt familiar fingers tangle into his hair, resting on the back of his head. 

“Keiji…” the alpha said hoarsely. 

The easterner lifted his head. “Shh, don’t talk,” he said, holding Koutarou’s hand, “You’re hurt.” 

The older man smiled, squeezing his fiancée’s hand with the little bit of strength in his body. He seemed to calm down, the sweating and spasming replaced with a placid rising and falling of the chest. 

Koutarou slept for 5 days without waking. During that time, Keiji took up more responsibilities around the camp. He organized for most of the soldiers to return home as the fighting was over. The omega even called the doctors to help the remaining injured ones and instructed the clearing of the camp. It surprised him that the soldiers listened and respected his words, despite his secondary gender. Keiji smiled, knowing that maybe society was changing one step at a time. 

While the alpha was out, Keiji took care of him, changing his bandages, wiping his sweat, and tending to his wounds. In the nights, he crouched by the bed, falling asleep by Koutarou’s side, so that he could be right there when he finally woke. Sometimes, the easterner would find a blanket draped around him in the mornings, the work of Konoha who cared for his comfort as well.

“Your Highness, you need not sleep uncomfortably like this. I shall wake you if he stirs,” the other would offer, to which Keiji turned down each time. 

On the afternoon of the fifth day, Koutarou opened his eyes. He groaned, arms stretching above his head and rolling his neck as if he had just taken a quick nap. Keiji walked in moments later, a bucket of water in hand and ready to clean the wounds before gasping at the sight. 

They locked eyes, the alpha smiling languidly, abs flexing as he propped himself onto his elbows when his omega rushed over. 

Keiji sat on the edge of the bed, laughing when his fiancé wrapped his arms around his waist, playfully resting his head in the omega’s lap. He threaded his fingers through silver hair. “How are you feeling Koutarou?” 

The alpha relaxed into his touch like a little kid. “Mmm, I’m alright. A bit thirsty actually.” 

He grabbed the bucket of water from Keiji, sitting up and guzzling it down in mere seconds. 

“You’re making a mess!” the omega scolded as he watched the water stream down Koutarou’s chest and loosen the old bandages. “If you can move around, sit up so I can clean the wounds.” 

The alpha’s eyebrows shot up. “Have you been tending to me this entire time?”

Keiji shot him a look, sharp eyes enough to answer the question. 

The older man laughed heartily. “No wonder I felt so clean. Normally the guys leave me to fend for myself.” 

Normally? The omega thought to himself. He furrowed his brow. “You mean to tell me that this is a normal occurrence for you?” 

“Well not normal, per se,” the alpha bit his lip, “But this wouldn’t be the first…or the second.” 

Keiji gritted his teeth, pulling away from the bed, ready to leave for the door. Koutarou grabbed his wrist holding him back. 

“Are you upset?” 

“How dare you,” he said coldly, “You have not a single care for your own body. You may be strong, Koutarou, but you are certainly not invincible. Risking your life like this, as if your well-being has no effect on any other lives but your own.” 

“But I’m perfectly fine,” the alpha said, pulling him back towards the bed. 

“You don’t understand! Your immunity weakens the more times you overexert yourself like this!” He fussed against his grip, attempting to break loose. “If you keep at it… then there will come a day where you won’t wake up,” Keiji’s voice broke, “ever.” 

Koutarou hugged him tightly. “I’m sorry, Keiji. I promise you…truthfully I won’t do it again.” He rubbed his back, “You have my word.” 

Keiji began to cry into the other man’s shoulder, tears falling all on their own. “I thought I had lost you.”

“I don’t deserve your tears,” the alpha shook his head. “But thank you for caring for me…caring about me. I love you Keiji.” He said the last part more tenderly.

They locked eyes, and the older man cupped Keiji’s soft cheek, wiping his tears away. “Don’t cry,” he smiled, “at least…not like this.” 

Koutarou pulled the omega into his lap, rubbing the thighs that straddled his hips. Keiji leaned down, connecting their lips in an open mouth kiss. They moved against each other for a bit, relishing the way they fit together, perfectly. They parted, so that Keiji could kiss the other’s neck, up and down and over his scent glands, making the alpha shiver and grab his hips from the feeling. 

Keiji startled as strong fingers began to undo the buttons at the base of his shirt. Sensing his uneasiness, Koutarou stopped, breathing out. “Sorry, I know we shouldn’t. There’s hardly any privacy.”  

The omega looked at him, eyes hooded and lips parted. “I’ve sent most of the soldiers home.” 

Koutarou licked his lips. “And what of the rest? Surely they will hear.” 

“Let them,” Keiji said, slightly too harsh. “Let them hear,” he whispered.

The alpha’s eyes shone a deep amber, pupils dilating. He got back to work at Keiji’s buttons, one after another until his crisp shirt was being slid down pretty shoulders. Koutarou sucked in a breath upon noticing the dark, finger-shaped bruises on his omega’s waist. 

“When did this-” he slid his palms along the other’s curves, eyes widening when his own hands fit the wounds exactly. “I’ve hurt you?” 

Keiji looked away. “You weren’t in your right mind, Koutarou. You were in pain.”

Koutarou slumped his head against Keiji's shoulder. “I should burn these hands for wounding you.” 

The omega put his hands over the other’s holding them on his body. “You mustn't. Not after… Not after giving me such pleasure.” 

He chuckled low. “Really, where did you learn to talk like that?” 

Koutarou began to kiss his body, lips traveling down his neck and tongue tasting him over his scent glands. He abused the sensitive area with the scrape of his teeth, teasing around where he would one day mark him. Then he pulled back and looked at Keiji’s bra, making eye contact as he undid the clasp. 

The fabric fell away and Keiji began to pant, waiting in anticipation to be touched. He wanted the alpha, so very badly. But Koutarou just stared intently at his breasts as they rose and fell under his golden gaze. His lips curled up into a smirk when the omega’s nipples became hard and erect, untouched. 

Then he diverted that torturous stare back to blue eyes and began to kiss and lick the skin of his chest. Koutarou wrapped one hand tighter around Keiji’s waist, pulling him flush against his torso while the other hand snaked up to grab a handful of his small breast. The nipple jutted out from his fingers and he licked the exposed bud with a hot tongue. The omega gasped as his alpha sucked and fondled his breasts, detaching from his nipples to suck bruises into his untouched skin. Koutarou bit down on his areola making him spasm from the pleasure, crying out for the first time. He sucked on him tender then hard before doing the same to the other tit, pinching and rubbing the neglected one. 

Keiji began to feel soaked, moving his hips against the other’s groin for a little bit of friction to his clit. His pants were rough and sturdy, yet he could still feel the alpha’s hardness against his heat. He needed him like never before, and it seemed like the southerner was all obliging. Koutarou’s fingers found the clasp of his trousers, undoing the top and unzipping at the fastening. 

“Take them off,” Koutarou spoke like a command, and Keiji left the bed to strip the rest of his clothes. 

The alpha watched him as he slid his pants down, leaving them folded on the bed, then pulling his panties off and resting them in the same manner. His fiancé lifted the blanket covering his lower half, proudly showing off his thick and erect member and giving it a few strokes. The omega licked his lips, feeling himself leak down his thighs as he reclaimed his spot in Koutarou’s lap. They kissed again with the omega’s fingers tangling into silver hair and the alpha’s hands rubbing slow circles on the sides of Keiji’s ass. 

It suddenly occurred to the omega that he was unaware of what to do next. He hadn’t exactly acknowledged the size of his fiancé until the present, and it made him skeptical as to whether or not it could fit inside. He took a deep breath, rising on his knees and positioning the other’s sex below his own. The omega attempted to lower himself, shivering as Koutarou kissed up the side of his neck. 

“What are you doing?” the alpha chuckled into his ear. 

Keiji blushed furiously. He did not know what he was doing. “Have I made a mistake…?” 

Koutarou laughed. “Well not really,” he grabbed the flesh of the omega’s ass. “You told me that you're new to this, and it will be painful if I don't prepare you.” 

The easterner bit his lip, confused. “Prepare me?” 

It was at that moment that the alpha smirked, eyes shining mischievously. It made Keiji blush, heart fluttering as the expression reminded him of the first time they sparred, the first time he had almost pinned his fiancé.

Koutarou laid back against his pillow, hands gripping the omega’s thighs for stability. He looked him up and down before smiling and tugging him down to kiss his lips. The alpha stroked up his back, fingers tangling into raven hair as they connected their mouths passionately. Keiji rested a hand above the other’s heart. 

“Turn around for me,” Koutarou said into his fiancée's ear, biting the top. 

Keiji squirmed at the action. “Turn around?” he said breathlessly when the alpha grabbed his ass. 

“Yes.” 

The omega decided to follow his lead despite his confusion. He appreciated the alpha for guiding him through it, excusing his inexperience. But another part of him seethed with jealousy at the fact that other omegas had claimed Koutarou’s body. There were others who had been pleasured by his hands, others who had kissed his lips and ran their fingers along his scars. Keiji wanted to erase every touch with his own, no matter how long it would take. 

As he turned himself around, back facing Koutarou, the alpha grabbed his thighs, pulling the easterner's lower body towards his face. Keiji brought his arms out on all fours to steady himself. 

“Koutarou!” he whined, bringing a hand down to cover himself, flushing from the embarrassment of his most tender parts revealed in full to the other. “What are you-” 

“Don't hide,” the alpha said firmly, kissing the omega’s hand and coaxing it away. He adjusted so that his face was directly under the other’s bottom. 

“I-Is this necessary?” Keiji stuttered, looking backward to assess the other’s expression, body becoming unbearably hot.

“Definitely,” the alpha said, close enough that the easterner could feel the breath against his heat, trembling. “Spread your legs just a little bit more.”  

“But I can’t!” Keiji cried out, “You will see everything…”

The alpha chuckled. “Would it be so terrible if I saw?” He ran his fingers up the omega’s thigh, enjoying the way his body shook. “I can say with certainty now that there isn’t a single part of you that’s not beautiful.” 

The younger man took a deep breath before inching his knees further apart, as far as he could before sheer embarrassment took over. 

“Perfect,” the other praised. 

Strong arms wrapped around the omega’s hips, stroking up and down his body. The alpha ran his nose along soft inner thighs, licking at the slick that had accumulated there from the omega’s arousal.

“Don’t! It’s dirty,” Keiji hissed, raising himself. 

He didn’t get very far before a strong grip held him back down. “It’s delicious.”

Koutarou sunk his teeth into the tender flesh, eliciting a gasp from Keiji. The omega panted, hips stuttering when he felt the other’s rough thumb stroking his folds gently, coating them with the wetness from his cunt. He teased Keiji, slipping around the area, purposely avoiding both his clit and his hole, practically forcing the omega to beg. Intense wanting took over the easterner and he inched further back to urge the other to fulfill him. 

The alpha granted his plea, surprising his fiancée when he slipped his longest finger inside and mouthed at his clit at the same time. Keiji voiced his pleasure, so loud that they both had to wait a moment. He cried out, back arching as Koutarou drew bursts of the feeling from between his legs. First, it was the sucks he gave to his clit, overstimulation on his nerves, eased only by a steady tongue to his shivering folds. Then there was one finger after another slipping into his soaping hole, curling against a spot Keiji didn’t know he had within him. He clenched around Koutarou’s fingers as they stretched and massaged his insides granting the omega sensations he never knew he could feel. 

And above all, noises the omega never knew he could make. He moaned loudly, sweet sounds leaving his lips wanton as Koutarou guided him through the pleasure. He gasped and he panted, and just when he thought he had regained some control, the alpha would kiss him or stroke him in ways that left him aching and crying out. 

In the daze of his pleasure, Keiji looked forward, focusing on Koutarou’s sex that bobbed, dripping down the shaft and occasionally onto his abs. It was hard and throbbing, just aching for some kind of attention the omega assumed. There was a trail of rough hair that ran from his belly button all the way to the base of his cock, silver, and black just like the hair on his head. Keiji ran a finger along the path before leaning forward, tongue falling out to trace a stream of pearly white up his member. 

The alpha groaned against his clit, detaching to rest his head against the pillows and panting as he cocked his head to observe the other. He squeezed the omega’s ass. 

Keiji took it as a sign to wrap his lips around the burning head, hollowing out his cheeks, and choking out the whimpers that formed in his throat. 

“Oh, Keiji…” Koutarou whined in such a way that gave the omega butterflies. 

The easterner was persistent, regaining his control and leaving the alpha a little too distracted to keep going. Keiji kissed up and down his shaft, tasting the salty bits of release that Koutarou let out. But instead of completely surrendering, the older man plunged his fingers deeper and harder into the omega’s pussy, hot lips sucking on his clit with passion. The sounds in the air, so obscene that they could probably never forget even if they tried. 

Keiji tried desperately to hold on, but he felt his vision go blurry, head spinning, and stomach dropping. He arched deep, head thrown back and arms quivering as he trembled. The omega let out his loudest cry yet as his orgasm ran through him, stunning him in place. He felt himself squirt his release, slick dribbling from his spread hole that was still lovingly occupied by Koutarou’s fingers. It didn’t stop for minutes on end while he clenched and spasmed, all while the alpha played with his clit. Finally, Keiji breathed loudly, regaining his conscience from such an intense finish before slumping against the other's body, careful to remember where his wounds were still fresh.  

The omega pushed himself up on shaky arms, straddling the alpha’s firm thighs once again. Keiji stared into his eyes, the color richer than he remembered. Koutarou was devilishly handsome, with his amber gaze and dark brows. Sharp nose and gorgeous lips. The easterner blushed, observing the milky remains of his own arousal on his fiancé’s mouth, dripping down his strong jaw and chin. It fell onto his breasts, to which the older man leaned down to lewdly lick it off. What made it all the more dirty was the fact that Koutarou maintained eye contact as he carried out his vulgar display. That intense golden stare bore into Keiji’s blue even as he wrapped his lips around a tender nipple, kissing and sucking. 

Keiji couldn’t take it anymore. “K-Koutarou,” he whined breathlessly, fingers tangling into the sheets. “Am I ready?” 

 That ruinous smile painted the alpha’s face once more. “You are.” 

Koutarou wrapped one arm around the easterner’s slim waist, lifting him with ease. He grabbed the base of his cock, teasing the head along Keiji’s slit and coating it with slick. He breathed heavily, “If it hurts, you will tell me.”

A prolonged cry left Keiji’s mouth as the other slowly burrowed into his hole, inch by inch. He ached between his legs as Koutarou’s girth stretched him wide, not daring to move until he knew for certain that his omega was alright. 

“Oh fuck,” the alpha cursed, gritting his teeth and gripping Keiji’s hips. “Fuck, you’re so…” he trailed off as he got used to the feeling. 

The easterner clenched around him, leaking more and more slick on the sheets. It was a sensation unknown to him, being filled to the brim, deeper than the alpha’s fingers and certainly deeper than his own. Keiji panted heavily, spine arching as strong hands caressed his body and a gentle voice whispered praise into his ear. 

“You feel so good, Keiji,” he grunted and the omega could feel him throb inside. 

Keiji loved the older man’s breathy tone, the way his voice got deeper, huskier from their lovemaking. It turned him on immensely, but what he really wanted was to ruin the alpha. To hear his voice loud and clear, to tell the rest of the world who was making him feel good. The omega recalled watching Koushi and Daichi, and in an attempt of imitation, he began to rock his hips, whining as Koutarou’s hardness stroked his insides. The alpha groaned, suckling his nipples and biting his tits in response. Koutarou refused to give up control that easily. 

They kept a slow pace for a while, kissing as the younger man moved his body atop his fiancé, sighing each time he rubbed against his sensitive spots, overstimulated on the insides. His clit bumped against Koutarou’s loin while his walls were massaged just right. Keiji felt another orgasm approaching soon, and shut his eyes, head tipping backward and lips falling open. 

“Ahh…Koutarou,” he couldn’t stop the desperately erotic pleas that left him, tears slipping down. He felt himself lose control, so much so that he could no longer sit up on his own. But before he could truly fall back, the alpha gathered him against his chest, fingers darting into his hair and smashing their lips together. 

Keiji’s eyes went wide as the other started to buck his hips hard, pushing the firm member deeper into his cunt, wet sounds filling their shared air. He yelped into the southerner’s mouth as the other began to moan routinely as well. 

“Keiji, I’m…Oh god-” the older man stuttered out. “Just a little bit.” Koutarou thrust quickly and strongly until he gripped the omega tight, spilling into him. 

The alpha fell back against the bed, bringing Keiji down on top of him with their lips glued together. He pushed his tongue into the omega’s mouth as a naughty hand snaked its way between their bodies, slipping into soaked folds. The younger man whimpered and squirmed, already spent and plenty sore from their coupling. He didn’t think he could take another climax, but when Koutarou’s digits toyed with his clit he couldn’t stop the third rush that shook him to the core. The omega practically sobbed, hips spasming as he welcomed the zenith.

Keiji caught his breath, resting on the other’s chest, briefly forgetting about his injuries. His heart thumped rapidly in his body and so he brought a gentle palm above the other’s, pleased to find that Koutarou was feeling the same. He rubbed his hand against the muscles of his chest, along the places where the bandages had come loose. The omega was surprised to see that the newest battle scars had already begun to heal, becoming a part of the many trophies and marks on the alpha’s body. He ran a delicate finger over the older scars, lips parting when he reached the one that ran through the other’s nipple. The pink line was prominent against the dark raised skin. Keiji stroked it lightly until Koutarou’s hearty laugh broke through the cadence of heavy breathing. 

“That tickles,” he said, grabbing Keiji’s hand and bringing it to his lips, while the other rubbed up and down the omega’s bare back. 

The easterner giggled. “Sorry,” he whispered, looking up at Koutarou and blushing when the other smiled down at him. 

The alpha ran a hand through the omega’s damp hair, slicking it back, peering deep into sapphire eyes as he did so. 

“Are you alright?” He began to concern about the younger man. “You’re not hurt are you?”

The omega lowered his gaze, tracing patterns along the other’s pectoral once again. “I’m fine, Koutarou.”

The alpha kissed his forehead, chuckling. “Then, I guess my next question should be…” He grabbed the flesh of Keiji’s ass cheek, “Did I make you feel good?” 

The omega wanted to be snarky, displeased with the cocky way his lover asked the question. He rolled his eyes. “You were,” Keiji began to say, fully intending to call his fiancé’s performance mediocre at best. At least, that was until he recalled the three times Koutarou had brought him such heated orgasms. His cheeks went red and he nibbled at his lip. 

Before the omega could answer, the older man grabbed his face, kissing him fiercely. “Don't you dare show that face to anybody else.” He hugged him tight in his arms. “Hey Keiji, let’s go home.” 

_

Keiji furrowed his brow as the sun shone through the balcony and onto his face. He groaned against his pillow, arm reaching out only to find that the sheets beside him were cold. He sat up, pulling the covers to his naked body and rubbing his eyes as he turned towards the empty bed. 

He had grown accustomed to lazy mornings after their return from the north since his fiancé kept him up all night only to wake him up bright and early with tender kisses and touches to resume their lovemaking. Frankly, Keiji wouldn’t have preferred it any other way. 

They were inseparable, finding excuses to connect their bodies in practically any situation. One minute they could be sparring in the training room, and the next, the omega would find himself on all fours, hands bound at the small of his back, cheek against the floor, and taking it from behind. They had ridden into town one day and Keiji had ridden Koutarou the whole way there, rocking the carriage so hard that it almost tipped over. When they had returned particularly late one night from a trip to the ocean, the dining room was just so perfect and empty. He could distinctly remember the rush of being flipped onto the table, their sounds echoing all around. Against the shelf in the palace library. Behind the bushes in Koushi’s garden. They had defiled almost every location in the palace.

To be woken up by anything and anyone besides his lover was out of the ordinary. He yawned, stretching his arms above his head and slipping into a robe before calling for his attendant. 

“Where is my fiancé?” the prince asked as he was brought a cloth to clean himself. 

“His Highness has gone to the stables, Keiji-sama.” 

“For a ride?” 

“He did not say, but he did instruct me to inform you.” 

Keiji dressed before leaving for the stables, confused as to why he was requested. Surely Koutarou would not expect him to ride an animal after what the previous night had entailed. He was sore from his neck to his thighs. It confused him further when the frantic cries of a horse could be heard as he got closer. 

He peeked inside, eyes widening when he saw a familiar black horse laying on the ground with his fiancé crouched by it. 

“Keiji, come here!” the alpha shouted from where he was. 

Upon closer inspection, the horse was in labor, obviously crying from the pain. It was the mate of Koutarou’s horse, that black beauty that he had once attempted to ride months ago. The omega smiled at the older prince’s excitement for the birth of a new foal, however, he soon realized that something was wrong with the mare. She lay limp on the stable floor, suddenly silent and motionless. 

The baby appeared to be breaching with its hind legs first, tangled and unable to come out. To avoid stressing the mother further, Keiji stepped away, instead fetching water in a pail to aid in other ways. He watched as Koutarou cleaned his bloodied hands in the water before reaching back in and reorienting the foal. Then the alpha stepped back and let the mare finish the job. 

She neighed loudly as the baby colt finally slipped out, following a mess of blood among other things. The pair watched endearingly as the mother, despite her pain, turned to clean her baby up. She didn’t get very far though, slumping against the ground from exhaustion. Koutarou rushed to get a towel, drenching it with water before scooping up the baby. 

“Let’s finish where your mommy left off,” he said lovingly to the little horse as he carried it from the stables.

Keiji looked at the mother, worn out, bleeding, and exhausted from the pain. He walked over towards her, palm reaching out to pet her abdomen and whisper some words of encouragement. 

“You’ve just done a beautiful, amazing thing. That man who took your baby will bring him back perfect and clean, just for you. I know it hurts but I promise, you will get better.”

The omega heard the sounds of snickers coming from behind him, turning around to glare at Koutarou. “Hey, I’ve heard you talk to Fukuro countless times,” he shot back. 

“I didn’t say anything,” the alpha giggled. 

He set the baby down by its mother before stepping back and pulling his omega close. “Take a close look, Keiji.” 

The pair watched as the colt walked on shaky legs suckling his mother’s teat. Like magic she rose her head, getting up on her feet in mere minutes so that her young could better nourish himself. She brushed herself off like the pain had all of sudden dissipated into nothing, steady and strong.

“The miracle of nature,” Koutarou whispered, and Keiji didn’t even need to look up to know that he probably had that cheeky little grin on his face. “Gosh, I can’t give all the credit to motherhood. That little lady has always been one of the strongest horses I’ve ever seen.” The alpha paused his train of thought. “I guess that’s one thing me and Fukuro have in common. We always find our way to greatness.” 

Keiji lit up. “Well, aren't you just a sweet talker?”  

Koutarou walked over to the omega, hands reaching out to grab his hips. “Sweet enough for a kiss?” he said, a dorky smile plastered on his face. 

“Koutarou. You are covered in the amniotic fluid and blood of a female horse.” 

The alpha groaned, unbuttoning his shirt and tearing it from his body before grabbing a bucket of water and pouring it clean over his head. The morning sun glistened on the skin of his abs as the water dripped down the sculpted muscles wetting the waist of his trousers. It was a scene worthy of praise and, unconsciously, Keiji licked his lips. If they weren’t in the stables, the omega would have been on his knees, fingers already working to unbutton Koutarou’s pants and mouth ready to worship his shaft. 

“You’re staring, beautiful,” The alpha’s voice snapped him back to reality. 

Keiji turned red, looking away shyly. “Am not…” he mumbled. 

Koutarou came closer grabbing his omega’s hand and dragging it down over his pecs and across his abs. “Look all you want, sweetheart. I’m here for your viewing pleasure only.” He leaned forward, sucking at Keij’s neck and sliding the dress from his shoulder so he could mouth at it. 

The omega giggled. “Koutarou, you may look irresistible…but you certainly don’t smell it.” 

“Keiji!” the older man whined. 

He chewed his lip, gaze lowered. “Let’s go take a bath.” 

Koutarou smirked at his words, slinging his shirt over his shoulder. He let Keiji pull him by the hand, out and away from the stables. “A bath sounds really good.” 

Chapter Text

There weren’t many things the third prince disliked. He wasn’t a picky eater, he didn’t mind the heat or the cold, nor was he demanding when it came to partners. He didn’t care for the most beautiful, most eloquent, most voluptuous omega. Nor did he require the tallest, smartest, or slimmest of partners. Hajime didn’t get jealous or territorial, something that seemed to upset his conquests more often than not.

Furthermore, referring to the omegas he attracted as ‘conquests’ would be an overstatement, for the alpha had never once gone out of his way to look for a lover. 

Hajime never did anything without a reason. He joined the military to carry on the legacy of his father, working hard to become commander so that he could protect the nation he loved with all his heart. He never drank unless he wanted to be drunk, never indulged in the pleasures of intoxication unless he was truly trying to forget his worries. He fucked only on his ruts, when the urge to join bodies became too unbearable to carry out his duties. The third prince deemed romance a frivolous concept.

So when his eldest brother put the damn throne at stake in the name of love, Hajime couldn’t comprehend such recklessness. He supported Daichi no matter what, though he could never in a million years see himself making the same decision. Then there was the matter with Koutarou, the brother he had thought most similar to him. They shared the same ambitions when it came to protecting the country and Hajime admired the man incredibly so. He had placed his nation over his life on numerous occasions, something the younger prince regarded with the most honor. 

However it was clear that with Keiji-san on his brother’s mind, these acts of intense valor would soon be infrequent. He too had fallen in love, now placing his mate above all and losing himself in the process. At least, that’s what it looked like from Hajime’s perspective. He had always observed his brother wake before the sun to practice his weaponry and maintain his fitness. They would often do their regiments together on the chance that they were both in the southern palace at the same time. But with this new omega in his brother’s life, the older alpha had become rather careless, spending hours away with the eastern prince wasting away most precious mornings and evenings. 

Tetsu was a lost cause and had been for a while, riding into the ports and towns to surround himself with women and alcohol whenever he saw fit. This brother of his happened to be wicked smart and cunning as well, which made Hajime all the more hard on him. He could see immense potential in his younger brother and wondered constantly what he could contribute to the kingdom if he only eliminated the distractions.

If there was one thing Hajime truly hated, it was distractions. It was roadblocks and interference. It was the unforeseen things happening out of his control. And presently, he was being faced by something so unforeseen it made his blood boil. 

He was practicing with his mace in Koutarou’s training room, still shamelessly utilizing the spare key he made for himself when his brother was away up north. Hajime had been there since dawn, choosing to train before the rest of the palace had woken up to avoid catching his brother and brother-in-law in another embarrassing situation. He could already count on both hands the number of times he’d walked in on them either pre, mid or post coitus. The prince shook his head at the thought before swinging the weapon over his head, striking the dummy he had propped up. 

An incessant knocking began at the door, followed by the squeaks of a female attendant. “Hajime-sama, you have been requested by your mother. Immediately!” 

He looked outside at the sun that was high in the sky now. Maybe the family was convening for breakfast. It had become rare for all the brothers to be in the Southern palace at the same time, aside from Shoyo who was still away at boarding school for the year. Regretfully, he realized that he didn’t bring a towel to wipe himself down. Surely, he would have enough time to wash up before the meal. 

Hajime couldn’t have been more mistaken. 

Absent-mindedly, he descended the staircase before stopping dead in his tracks at the sight of 20 omegas lined up waiting for him. And at the center of it all was none other than Tetsu, a signature smug grin plastered on his face. 

“There he is, ladies and gentlemen. My elder brother; the finest example of purebred southern stallion this nation has to offer,” Tetsurou spoke enthusiastically. 

Hajime took a deep breath, cringing as the title of purebred once again reached his ears. He had heard it all throughout his adolescence, a strange comment from adults and peers alike who somehow deemed him ideal for his pureblood. Advisors of his father had urged the king to name Hajime as the heir, convinced that the southern public would renounce Daichi, born from a western womb. It was brushed off as pointless politics, but the thought still seemed to resonate beyond the palace walls.

He personally hated the title since it made him feel like he was something to be won. The prized horse in a race, bet on and idolized, hundreds just yearning to claim. Hajime refused to be regarded in such a pathetic light. 

It was too damn early for any of this. Seeing that he wouldn’t move an inch from his place at the stairs, the younger prince approached with a cheshire smile. He walked behind Hajime, placing his hands on the commander’s shoulders and pushing him forward toward the crowd. 

“You better tell me what the fuck is going on,” Hajime whispered through a clenched jaw. 

“Just play along.” 

Tetsurou started again, addressing the entourage. “Trust me when I say—you won’t find another alpha like him. These rippling muscles…” 

It was probably the only time Hajime wished he didn’t look the way he did, hating the way the omegas ogled his chiseled torso. 

“This tanned, southern build…” The sweat on the alpha’s golden brown skin looked like dripping honey. 

“Dark, thick hair…” His brother ruffled the hair on Hajime’s head but he could see some of the omegas shift their gaze to the coarse trail just under his belly button, blushing as they did so. 

“Really, my brother is the total package.” The third prince pinched the bridge of his nose as the assembly stared directly at his groin upon hearing the word package. His thin pants, while amazing for mobility, left little to the imagination. 

Tetsurou cleared his throat. “Now will the first eligible candidate step forward?” 

Hajime was approached by a female omega from a prominent merchant family. She was beautiful like every single one of the twenty. Tall and slender, graceful like a swan. The third prince sighed knowing what he would need to do. “Too lanky,” he said monotonously, sending her away and watching the dejected expression paint her pretty face. 

The next had locks that held the color of a vibrant red rose. Hajime had never seen hair quite so special. “An obnoxious color, don’t you think?” He pointed to the omega’s head. 

This trend continued on until the last omega finally stepped his way. He truly was the definition of southern beauty, dark skin, black hair with long lashes framing eyes gray like the seafoam. Hajime laughed. “You look like you could be my brother.” 

Once the candidates were escorted out of the palace, the two princes made their way to the dining room. 

“I didn’t think you’d be such a brute,” Tetsurou chuckled as he slung an arm around his brother’s shoulder. 

Hajime pushed him off. “You know I don’t like being ambushed like that. Mind explaining to me what the hell that was about?” 

“Your mother asked me to find you a bride. She’s convinced I can work miracles seeing how taken Koutarou and Keiji are with each other.” 

The third prince sighed. “She’s been pestering me about it for months. Told me the next time I leave for commander duties, I can’t return until I find myself a wife.”

The younger prince smiled. “Better you than me.” 

Hajime smacked him in the back of the head. “Why don’t you settle down, hm? You must have a darling down in the city, with how often you visit.” 

Tetsurou shrugged. “Where’s the fun in that?” 

_ 

“So Tetsurou,” the Southern queen asked when everyone was seated at the table, “Did my son choose an omega this morning?” 

Hajime stopped eating as did most of the table. A snicker could be heard from Koutarou’s side of the table as he covered a smile with his palm. 

“Unfortunately, my brother wasn’t particularly taken with any.”

The queen shot her son a harsh glare. “Oh, that can’t be. Those omegas were the most beautiful of all the Southern nobles. What about the young girl from the Satori family? The kingdom raves of her crimson hair.” 

“Hajime called it obnoxious,” Tetsurou said nonchalantly, returning to his food. 

His mother’s mouth hung open briefly before she cleared her throat and composed herself. “The youngest boy from the Ojiro clan is famous for his beauty. He was present today.”

“He said it looked as if they could be related.” 

His father laughed at this, causing a slight grin on Hajime’s face. 

Before the queen could speak again, a sharp sound from Koushi captured the table's attention. Daichi put a hand on his back gently. “Are you alright, Darling?” he worried. 

The omega breathed heavily. “I just feel quite nauseated.” He put a hand above his mouth, standing up as Daichi escorted him from the table. 

“You too, Keiji?” Koutarou exclaimed, noticing his fiancée’s expression as the omega pulled at his hand. “Call the physician,” the alpha said hurriedly as he helped him out. 

The sound of retching could be heard not long after.

Koutarou and Daichi returned back to the table, instructed by the royal doctor who said he couldn’t get any work done with the two hovering and fussing over their mates. Worries hung high in the air as they paced about the room. 

“It couldn’t have been poison, right?” the older brother clenched his jaw recalling that the two omegas had dined together the night prior. 

Koutarou rubbed his forehead. “No, the food was tested beforehand.” 

At the sight of the physician emerging from a nearby room, the brothers nearly sprinted towards him in ambush. 

“Doctor, was it poison? Are they going to be alright?” Daichi pressed frantically. 

“No, Your Highness, it’s-” 

Koutarou chimed in. “Please tell me it’s not stomach flu? No fever right?” 

“Will you two let him speak?” the loud voice of their father filled the room. 

The doctor bowed his head. “Koushi-sama and Keiji-sama will be just fine. It’s simply a bout of morning sickness.” 

The two brothers locked eyes in confusion before turning back towards the physician. “Morning sickness?” 

“Oh my!” the Northern queen gasped in glee. 

The doctor counted on his finger. “It’s still early but I would say they are both 3 months pregnant. Congratula-” Before he could finish the sentence, the two alphas bolted out of the room, presumably to share the excitement with their lovers. 

Hajime smiled as the table erupted into happy chatter. A wonderful surprise it was, but definitely not unexpected. Though he didn’t interact with Koushi often, the omega’s garden that greeted him at the entrance of the palace grounds held a new scent. Notes of flowery pheromones smelled heavier and sweeter in the recent weeks. Pregnancy would also explain Keiji’s strange behavior. 

Sometimes he and Koutarou would invite Hajime to spar with them, to which he graciously accepted each time. His brother put his strength to the test, sending firm and fierce attacks his way without fail. To contrast, his brother-in-law challenged his reflexes and kept Hajime sharp with precise and lightning-quick jabs. The third prince recalled a recent incident during their group training from a few days prior. Normally, he attacked full force, never feeling the need to hold back with Keiji since he was equally skilled and had no issue parrying the attacks or dodging them completely. However, in their last match, the omega stumbled like a novice, catching Hajime’s charge head-on before falling back. This earned him a hefty scolding from his brother, his inner alpha upset that someone had hurt his mate. 

The first couple to return to the table was Daichi and Koushi with staggered breaths and teary eyes. The emotions could be felt all around since everyone knew how badly the couple wanted this baby. They had been trying for so long and finally, the Gods had answered their prayers. 

Minutes later Keiji and Koutarou returned hand in hand and covered in each other's scents. Swollen lips explained their prolonged absence from breakfast in addition to the new trail of love bites that littered the omega’s neck. Hajime felt like laughing at the stark contrast between the celebrations of his two brothers.  

“What’d we miss,” Koutarou smiled innocently as he pulled Keiji’s chair out for him. 

Tetsurou snickered. “ You missed the fact that your pants are on backward.” 

Keiji choked on his water and the eastern queen cleared her throat before shooting a scolding glare towards her son. 

Through smiles and congratulations, Hajime watched the dejected expression on his mother’s face. While the northern and western queens reminisced about their own pregnancies and voiced their excitement about becoming grandmothers, the southern queen sighed before looking longingly at the two smiling omegas. 

The third prince could guess what she was thinking, rolling his eyes as he considered the possibility of fathering his own kids. Even if it were to happen, it certainly wouldn’t be anytime soon. 

_ 

If there was one thing the Southern Kingdom did best, it would be celebrating. And they certainly loved to celebrate. The past few years had been marked with one elaborate event after another, including Shoyo’s farewell to boarding school, Daichi’s coronation, and many more. The past two engagement ceremonies had been beautiful commemorations of a union between an alpha and an omega, but they would be nothing compared to the upcoming royal wedding. 

It was to be extravagant, unlike anything the kingdom had seen before. Furthermore, it would be a joint wedding, one with two brides and two grooms. The reasons being that weddings take months to plan and prepare for, months that the royal family simply didn’t have with two pregnant omegas. 

It was Southern tradition for the bride and groom to wed after the first signs of pregnancy and coincidentally, both omegas were expecting at the same time. Luckily, the preparations had been in motion since Daichi and Koushi’s engagement ceremony almost a year prior, so everything could be gathered in time. 

Festivities would last the whole day, from the bride’s and groom's procession through the capital square just after sunrise to the noble banquet and ball before sunset. Vows would be exchanged for an audience of just the four royal families in the late afternoon.

While the most important roles were held by his brothers, Hajime still had the significant task of ensuring the safety of the city and palace during the event. With all the bustle of the wedding, it could be easier for criminals and assassins to strike unnoticed. The third prince therefore busied himself throughout the week, discussing where to station soldiers along the procession path and assigning guards to the palace locations that would require the most surveillance. 

After overseeing the entirety of the morning’s procession, Hajime stood at the altar beside Koutarou, acting as his groomsman. Tetsurou stood beside Daichi as the entire room anticipated the arrival of the brides. A steady music began to play and Shoyo appeared at the doors of the palace cathedral holding a basket of white rose petals. Typically flowergirls and boys were a tad bit younger, but the teenaged omega practically begged for a role in the wedding alongside his brothers. 

Hajime grinned slightly as he observed his youngest brother. Shoyo was dressed in a stunning, two-piece cobalt blue gown adorned with golden crystals from the southern mines. His jewelry was simple, mostly opal stones placed strategically to tame his wild mane of orange that had grown in the years away. As he walked down the aisle with the true poise of a royal omega, Hajime could see what all that time at the boarding school had done for his brother. Gone was the mischievous ball of sunshine who cried every time his brothers made fun of him, replaced by a beautiful and elegant prince. 

That was until the omega stumbled slightly, eyes going wide as he steadied himself to prevent making a scene in front of the royal attendance. Hajime chuckled as his brother suddenly smiled, full-toothed, pearly-white and beaming as he continued his walk. Still the same old Shoyo. 

The audience stood up from their seats as a change in the music signaled the entrance of the brides. Despite the gentle string melody that filled the air, Hajime could clearly hear Koutarou suck in a deep breath as he caught sight of Keiji emerging from outside. 

The omega’s wedding dress consisted of a white blouse and skirt, decorated with intricate patterns of pearls and diamonds. The bottom of the skirt, which held frills and pleats of delicate lace, extended far down the aisle only to be trumped by the sheer white veil that sat atop dark curls. It cascaded down the back of Keiji’s body and hung over his features as well. In addition to the shimmering jewels that adorned his neck and ears, white flowers accompanied a dainty silver crown at its rightful place on the omega’s head. 

As Keiji claimed the spot by Koutarou’s side, he handed his bouquet of white calla lilies to Yukie, his childhood best friend from the Eastern Kingdom and maid of honor. The alpha lifted his veil slowly, eyes watering as the breathtaking face of his omega came into view. Hajime wondered if he had been reminded of the first time they met, when lifting a similar drape had introduced Koutarou to the love of his life. The third prince, no matter how brutish he might have seemed, felt warm as Keiji raised his gloved hand to wipe a stray tear that had slipped down the cheek of his older brother. 

Once again, the gathered royals turned their heads toward the second figure to appear before the aisle. There were a few gasps that resonated through the chamber, mostly since Koushi wasn’t a royal and therefore his beauty had been a secret for many. Hajime couldn’t see Daichi’s face with their current arrangement but he knew the alpha must have gotten emotional witnessing the arrival of his beautiful bride. 

Koushi dressed slightly more modestly than the other omega, a single-piece gown covering his whole midriff in a silky drape. It was, however, backless with delicate crystals descending down the expanse of his spine. The train extended just as far back as his veil which was made of an intricate lace pinned to his silver hair. White roses adorned his locks which had been pinned up in a weave of braids, curls, and ribbons. A grand golden crown completed his look, one that would soon permanently reside on the head of the new queen. He appeared ethereal as a celestial maiden ascending the steps of heaven. 

The omega’s bouquet of white hydrangeas was passed on to his father along with a tearful hug, a touching reunion as he hadn’t properly seen the man since the departure from the Northern Kingdom. Hajime guessed Sugawara-sensei would have been proud that Daichi stayed true to his word in making this common omega his rightful queen. 

The priest droned on and the third prince took this time to survey the room. Each royal family resided in their own sections of the cathedral pews. He observed the front rows of the leftmost Eastern family. Suguru sat with his wife Mika who held a small infant in her arms, likely the heir to the Eastern kingdom. In the row behind them were two other omegas, concubines with swollen bellies indicating that the alpha still hadn’t mended his playboy ways even after becoming a father.  

He looked over at the next section reserved for the Southern family, taking in the sight of his father and the four queens. The rows behind seated advisors and nobles alike. Hajime suddenly locked eyes with a scowling man who appeared as if he wanted to rip him apart with his bare hands. He was tall with reddish hair and an eerie expression, and it didn’t take long for the alpha to realize that he was the new head of the Satori family. He earned a similar reaction upon glancing at the two alpha heads of the Ojiro clan, understandable due to the way he had bluntly insulted their prized omegas only recently. 

Hajime then surveyed the Western section, scanning over the royal family. Next to the Western king and queen sat a tall black-haired alpha. Nephew of the crown, Tobio had become well known in recent years due to his swordsmanship and athletic prowess despite his young age. He was a student at the boarding school the Southern princes had also attended and couldn’t have been much older than Shoyo. He would make a fine commander down the line and Hajime was almost jealous that Koutarou would get to work with him in the future. As he let his gaze wander the pews, he took in the many unfamiliar faces. Although each row had been filled, the alpha felt that something was missing. 

Or rather… someone. 

There was no way he could have missed the most famous face in the entire land. Hajime’s eyes darted across the sections in search of the one and only omega whose name had become synonymous with the goddess of beauty over the years. Finally, he found what he was looking for in the far-right Northern Kingdom. Beside the newly crowned Wakatoshi sat Prince Tooru in all his glory. He looked slightly out of place amongst the stoic warriors of the north, like a willow surrounded by a grove of mighty oaks. 

It was certainly surprising that he had been allowed the seat next to his alpha while the rest of the northern omegas were confined to the back-most row. Part of Hajime wanted to roll his eyes at the clear show of favoritism due to the omega’s beauty. Yet, the other wanted to applaud the prince for his ability to command such power in a hostile environment like the Northern royal family. 

Brown hair was hardly a rare color but in the sea of silvers and blacks, Tooru’s auburn locks shone like polished wood. There wasn’t a single blemish on his vibrant skin, not a freckle or a scratch present on his rosy cheeks. Not to mention his nose, often the feature that ruined one's face, was perfect from the height of the bridge to the size of his nostrils. Hajime looked at those lashes next, naturally long and jet black, the kind most prostitutes glued onto their lids to achieve that alluring look. As if on cue, copper-brown eyes were suddenly staring right back at him. To save his pride as an alpha, the Southern prince chose not to avert his gaze, now locked in a dangerous staring game with the omega whose plush lips curled up into a smirk. 

The crowd rose once more, Tooru included, who directed his attention back to the couples at the altar. With a steady applause, both alphas captured their omegas’ lips in a deep kiss to seal the bond. Though he brought his palms together as well, Hajime felt uneasy. He shook his head, wondering what the outcome might have been if Wakatoshi-san had caught the other alpha eyeing his omega so plainly. 

_ 

The royal ball was already in full swing by the time the sun set. After such an elaborate feast, it was surprising how many guests were still up to dance. Many donned the southern style of dress to attend, exposed chests and midriffs on even the most modest of attendees. 

Hajime included, changed out of his groomsmen attire for black pants and a drape across his bare chest. He even put on gold earrings and a chain, a request from his mother to distinguish him as a true Southern prince. 

The prince had been entertaining a cocktail for the last hour, not really in the mood to get drunk. Besides, it was clear that Tetsu was consuming enough alcohol to sustain the both of them. To the lively sounds of a stringed orchestra, omegas, betas, and alphas alike approached his brother, pulling him out for a dance. Like a routine, Tetsurou handed Hajime his cup before coming back to claim it only to be dragged again and again.  

With the two sets of newlyweds busy entertaining one guest after another, Hajime was stuck babysitting Shoyo. The omega chattered away beside him, talking about random moments from his boarding school experience and pointing out his classmates amongst the crowd. He also made many unsuccessful attempts at sneaking sips from his brother’s drink. 

“Please Hajime! I just want to try one sip!” he pouted until the alpha had become so annoyed that he had to oblige. 

Hajime handed him Tetsurou’s drink. “Fine, but only a little. Tetsu’s got a wild tolerance so this stuff is definitely strong.” 

Without warning, Shoyo gulped the entire thing down, the alcohol taking effect almost immediately. Minutes later, he looked like a sunset: orange hair, flushed face, golden jewelry, and a pale yellow dress. Hajime soon regretted his decision when the omega became ten times chattier, running his mouth like there was no tomorrow. Filterlessly, he bad-mouthed the omegas he didn’t like and praised the ones he tolerated. Then, as if someone had flipped a switch, Shoyo sighed and began sulking. 

“What’s wrong?” Hajime indulged him with a chuckle. 

“I wish I could be like them.” 

The alpha followed his brother’s gaze to the corner of the ballroom, where the new brides welcomed the Northern royalty. He watched as Wakatoshi greeted Koushi, bringing his palm up to his lips before doing the same for Keiji. Once again, Hajime found himself searching for Tooru who wasn't at his alpha’s side this time. Strange, that the omega was never where he expected. 

“Keiji-san is just so talented and strong...”

His eyes darted rapidly across the floor of dancing couples and partygoers as Shoyo kept talking. 

“And Koushi-san is kind and smart, everything you could want in an omega.” 

Hajime supposed Tooru might have changed out of his modest Northern garments into something more…free. Hell, even Wakatoshi, stubborn as he was, dressed in the signature Southern style. 

“...and the fact that they’re both so beautiful. Like really, have you ever seen omegas more gorgeous?” 

He was looking at one, finally spotting Tooru engaged in a waltz with another alpha. He was smiling, unbound like his hair that swayed as he was spun in a circle. There were turquoise beads and pearls woven into the strands, along with tiny seashells braided into small twists. If his face wasn’t already perfect, his body didn’t disappoint either. The omega’s blouse left little to the imagination, a deep aquamarine that cupped his breasts and nothing more. The bustier had hundreds of diamonds sewn on, as well as white silk frills along the cups and hem. Hung on the bend of his waist were dainty golden chains and crystals which led to his skirt fastened low on his hips. 

Hajime watched as the omega left his current partner to pick up a new one, equally as eager to share a dance with the beauty. His gaze alternated between Tooru and Wakatoshi, confused that the alpha didn’t so much as cast a glance in his fiance’s direction. It was peculiar that someone as modest and old-fashioned as the northern king would let his future mate dress so provocatively and parade about the unmarried alphas of the kingdom. 

After changing partners close to six more times, Tooru left the dance floor and made his way to his cousin Tobio, pulling the awkward young alpha by the arm as they made the rounds together. 

“Really Hajime? You’re not even going to try to make me feel better?” Shoyo’s whining flooded back into his senses, allowing Hajime an opportunity to stop staring at the other omega. 

He tried to recall what their current conversation had been about. “Give it a few years, baby brother,” Hajime ruffled his shiny orange locks. “Besides, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Who’s to say if a sapphire or amethyst crystal is prettier than a garnet?” 

Shoyo gave his brother a glare while fixing his headdress that had become lopsided from the other’s teasing. Despite the annoyed face he tried to put out, the blush on his cheeks was still plenty apparent. 

The older prince looked down towards the other. “I’m sure there’s an alpha out there who won't be able to keep his eyes off you-” 

“C-Commander Hajime,” a lower voice stuttered, causing both Southerners to look up. “It’s an honor to meet you.” 

All the prince could see was a head of dark hair since the visitor intended on bowing ninety degrees out of respect. By his side was Tooru, signature pretty grin on his face and even more beautiful up close as he simply lowered his head and fanned out his skirt. When Tobio stood straight, he made a choked sound in his throat upon noticing Shoyo. 

Suddenly the younger omega gasped. “It’s you!” 

Tobio stumbled on his words. “I could say the same thing!” 

“Hmph!” Shoyo exclaimed, crossing his arms over his chest. 

Hajime looked confusedly from his brother to the western alpha. “Do you know him?” 

The fiery omega scoffed. “Know him? This bastard-” 

Tooru suddenly spoke up. “That’s wonderful! If the two of you are already familiar, you must offer him a dance, Tobio.” 

Averting his gaze, the dark-haired alpha begrudgingly held out his palm for the other to take. It took a few moments but Shoyo eventually rolled his eyes and accepted the offer, following the other to the floor as they eased into a dance. 

With a voice smooth like liquor, Tooru began again. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Hajime-san.” He held out his hand and the alpha kissed it in greeting. 

Nobody had ever approached Hajime during parties. Most of the time, he was too busy to partake in the festivities, instead tasked with maintaining security while on southern grounds. However, even when he was present, his brothers often told him that he looked far too intimidating to talk to. 

“Likewise, Tooru-san,” he replied curtly. 

After a beat of silence, the omega smiled. “You hold my attention.” 

“And why is that?” 

The prince laughed, sweet like honey. “Well, you’ve been staring at me all day. Looking my way during the ceremony and stalking me like a predator as I danced. It made me wonder if maybe you had something to say to me?” 

Hajime thought of how to answer in the most indifferent way possible. “I apologize if my staring made you uncomfortable.” 

“Oh not at all,” he said with a slight purr, moving closer to the alpha. Dangerously close. 

Hajime’s eyes suddenly shifted to Wakatoshi who was now staring jarringly in his direction. 

“I didn’t mind in the slightest. In fact, I was quite flattered to have caught the eye of the esteemed Commander Hajime.” 

The alpha looked at him sternly before quickly finishing the rest of his drink. He cleared his throat, “Excuse me, but I must return to my brothers.” 

As Hajime tried to step forward, Tooru blocked him with a palm to his chest. “It looks to me that they’re all quite busy.” He gestured to the dance floor where, sure enough, Shoyo was still blushing in the arms of Tobio as they moved together. Even Daichi and Koushi were waltzing, alongside Koutarou and Keiji. Tetsurou had just walked off the floor with a lady from the Eastern kingdom, steadily making way to get another drink. 

Shit.

“Would you like to join them?” Tooru asked innocently, batting his eyelashes. “Dancing is quite fun when you have the right partner.” 

The alpha didn’t like where this was going. “If you require a dancing partner, might I suggest Wakatoshi-san?” 

The omega narrowed his eyes. “That won’t do,” he sighed, “I can dance with him whenever I want. And what I want right now, is to dance with you.” 

As Tooru gracefully held out his hand for the other prince to take, Hajime observed the giant ring on his finger. The diamond has been cut into an elegant marquise, presumably by Wakatoshi’s own dagger. It was northern tradition for the groom to handcraft the engagement ring and it seemed that the new Northern king certainly had an eye for detail. It must have taken months to complete–the main stone was surrounded by smaller pink and blue crystals to make it appear like a flower. The surrounding metal was a pale gold, expertly welded into vines that wrapped around his slender finger. Wakatoshi had even managed to engrave the Northern family signet into the side of the band. 

“I apologize Tooru-san, but I’m afraid it would be too inappropriate to share a dance with someone else’s omega.” 

Hajime regretted his tone as soon as the statement left his lips. Especially since he said it loud enough that a good portion of the surrounding guests stopped to look at him. Though he had just unintentionally insulted the omega, implying that he was the property of his alpha, Tooru’s smile never left his pretty face. 

The Southern alpha felt like an asshole for his words yet before he could correct himself, it seemed like Tetsurou was already three steps ahead. His younger brother had overheard the conversation on his way back, forcefully handing his new drink to Hajime and lightly shoving him out of the way. He bowed before the omega, bringing his outstretched hand to his lips. 

“Forgive my brother, Tooru-san. He’s a rather belligerent beast yet to be tamed.” 

Hajime frowned, but he stayed silent. 

Tetsurou looked up at the omega with his signature flirty smirk. “Allow me to offer you a dance in his place. If you permit it.” 

Tooru giggled as the strings of the orchestra moved into a more upbeat tune. “It would be my pleasure,” he said playfully, allowing the fourth prince to lead him back to the floor. As they walked away, Tetsurou turned back to his brother, shooting him a look of distaste. 

Hajime sighed when the music resumed in full swing, relieved that his brother stepped in when he did. He wouldn’t have known how to properly apologize, and he would have been more uncertain about what to say if the omega persisted and asked again. Lord knows what Wakatoshi would have done if Hajime had caved and accepted the dance. 

Tetsurou twirled the western omega and Hajime watched the golden light from the chandelier bounce off the jewels on his teal-colored skirt. It reminded him of the sun glinting on the sea at daybreak. 

The alpha searched for more familiar faces on the floor, finding Koushi in a lively dance with his father. Keiji was off talking to his family from the east, but there was no sign of Daichi or Koutarou. It alarmed him further when he realized that Shoyo and Tobio were nowhere to be seen. He panicked internally, leaving his position to hunt down his youngest brother. 

Leaving a young, unmated, drunk omega with an equally young, unmated, potentially drunk alpha was probably one of the stupidest things Hajime could have done. He paced about the room first, groaning when the pair still couldn’t be spotted. Then he tried the area just outside the ballroom, where some older nobles and royals were entertaining drinks away from the noise and bustle of the main floor. Still, he found them nowhere. 

Hajime practically ran to the gardens, a short walk away but still completely accessible to the partygoers. Sure enough, there they were, standing side by side in the stone pavilion overlooking the shimmering water. It seemed like an innocent conversation, and so the alpha crept forward slowly not wanting to startle the couple. 

“You’re not a bad dancer…for someone who can’t even reach my shoulders,” Tobio said, uncharacteristically smooth. Nothing like the stuttering kid Hajime had pinned him as. 

“Shut up you oaf,” Shoyo giggled back, uncharacteristically flirty. Absolutely nothing like the whiny baby Hajime knew him to be. 

Without warning, the tall alpha leaned down, capturing the omega’s lips in a gentle kiss. Hajime held in a gasp, fighting the urge to jump out and drag him away…at least until he watched his brother pull the other closer and deepen the kiss. The older alpha permitted it for a few minutes so that Shoyo wouldn’t sulk about a ruined moment. 

When he felt it had been long enough, Hajime stepped on a branch intentionally, allowing a crack to resonate through the space. The two pulled away from each other almost immediately, blushed cheeks red enough to be seen even in the dim lighting. 

“Hajime-”

“Apologies, but I need you both to return to the ball,” He said sternly and watched them scurry back down the path toward the palace. 

It was a close call, the alpha thought. Any longer and they might have gotten themselves into a tricky situation. As he began walking back as well, Hajime listened to the still summer air for a moment. There was a slight whispering coming from behind the bushes, and he carefully made his way to the source. He spotted Koutarou and Daichi, their expressions indicating that the discussion at hand must have been serious. Before he could make his presence known, the alpha heard the worst.

“Hajime’s not going to like it, but I need you to go through with this anyway.” 

He hid himself to listen further, curious as to what they were plotting against him. 

Daichi’s voice filled the air. “I don’t understand why you can’t just sit down and ask him nicely.” 

“You don’t understand,” Koutarou practically shouted. “We’ve discussed it before, well not in this context, but he was adamant on staying right where he was.” 

“And what exactly did this conversation entail?” 

“Well firstly, we flipped a coin to decide who would handle the Western military and who would take the East,” the second prince explained, “And then years later when I found out I was meant to take an Eastern bride, I asked if we could switch our duties to allow me to become more familiar with the eastern family.” 

“He didn’t agree to this?” 

“Not at all! He got defensive, saying that they were his men and he couldn’t possibly speak for the skill level of the Western recruits. Said that he would switch only if he really wanted to.”

Daichi thought for a moment. “Koutarou, the circumstances are a lot different now. Just tell him straight–that Keiji wants to be close to his mother for the duration of the pregnancy and raise the baby partially in the east. Indicate that you want to be there for your wife and child without stopping your commander duties entirely.” 

“Look, brother, that man is an oaf with no knowledge about love or what it compels one to do. He simply does whatever he pleases and won't take orders from anyone unless it’s coming directly from the king.” 

“You’re not wrong,” his oldest brother chuckled dryly.

“Besides,” Koutarou took up a quieter, solemn tone, “The matter goes beyond a simple swap of commander duties. I am positive you recall a certain meeting held two years ago. Me, you, and Tooru.” 

Hajime’s trained ears picked up on the whisper of the omega’s name. He was upset enough that Koutarou and Daichi were planning to order him to the west, in such a way that wouldn’t allow him to protest or argue it whatsoever. In other words: out of his control. It confused him more that Tooru had been brought into the conversation, and he decided to listen further despite the fact that he longed to insert himself into the discussion, forcing his brothers to hear him out. 

Koutarou kept talking. “He requires protection to achieve his plan. Protection that I can no longer provide with a pregnant mate on my mind. Still, time is running out for the Western king and we have already pledged our support to Tooru’s cause.” 

“I know, I know. It just- he’s our brother and I fear he will hate us forever if we go through with it.” 

“Daichi, it pains me to bring this up, but our conversation after Koushi’s trial on the day you brought him home... You gave me your word that if there was anything I desired in the future, you’d do everything in your power to make it happen.” 

“And this is what you truly desire?” 

“It’s what I want more than anything.” 

The new king sighed. “Then you have my word. I’ll give the order tomorrow.” 

Koutarou smiled in the light. “I’m forever grateful,” he patted his shoulder, “Come, we'd better get back to the party. I’m sure they’ll worry if we're gone too long.” 

As his brothers left the garden, Hajime gritted his teeth, slumping back against the tree he was hiding behind. Did they think him so incompetent and stubborn to refuse such a sensible request? He would have been willing to negotiate commander duties with Koutarou if the cause was this important. What he still couldn't decipher was his brothers’ promise to Tooru and why it involved him. Hajime pondered the thought as he stayed out in the garden until the chatter and laughter of the ball died down into the late night and the sun rose into the next dreaded day. 

Chapter Text

To the surprise of his brothers, Hajime didn’t fight the order when it came. He didn’t so much as lift a finger, simply acknowledging that Daichi’s word was law and there wasn’t much he could do about it. What he truly loved was the sheer looks of guilt on the faces of his older brothers, ashamed that they had misjudged the third prince and acted so unfairly. The southern alpha felt it was a necessary compensation they would have to live with, at the expense of his autonomy. 

He reached the western kingdom in due time, leaving his few belongings in Koutarou’s old room within the higher-ranking sector of the soldiers' barracks. Only a day with the new men allowed Hajime to observe his brother’s competence as a commander. The recruits were strong and disciplined, with raw power enough to shake the ground. Their limitations, however, certainly didn’t go unnoticed. Koutarou had a knack for short-range attacks, ambushing in a head-on collision—a test of strength more than anything. His soldiers acted in the same way, some a bit too sloppy for Hajime’s taste. Strength without practiced direction was about as meaningless as a wooden sword on the battlefield. If Keiji wasn’t pregnant, the alpha might have liked to use him to mentor the cadets on the importance of precise and calculated swordsmanship. 

The new commander set the western men off with some long-range practice, archery to start, a trade that his brother often brushed aside. He then ran drills of speed, forcing the burly muscular men to sprint back and forth to the point of exhaustion. After enough tormenting, partly to work off his anger at being forced to adapt to this new environment, Hajime left the soldiers to attend to more important matters with the Western royals. 

He had been summoned to the palace, presumably by the western king to discuss future plans and whatnot. Hajime bathed and dressed properly this time before taking the carriage sent for him through the capital city and to the palace. As he looked out the window, he compared the surroundings of the west to the south and east. The streets were equally packed with pedestrians, but that was where the similarities ended. Everything was different, from the towers and buildings that shot far into the sky to the uptight style of dress sported by men and women alike. Hajime himself wore a buttoned-up shirt with thick trousers and boots. The lingering winds from the spring months made such clothing acceptable, but the alpha shuddered at the thought of donning this getup in the humid heat of the southern kingdom. 

The interiors of the western palace were unlike the others he had seen as well. While the South utilized the rich gold mines, creating gaudy accents of the element in every arch or passageway, the West seemed to prefer silver. Shimmering vines and spirals ran up stone columns with intricately carved figures and statues positioned at each corner of the room. The king received him with a firm handshake and a quick briefing of the palace grounds. Though the older man only glossed over the majority of the palace, he droned on and on about the various studies going on in the palace. 

First, they entered an incredibly large room with an open window-paned ceiling. Even larger was the apparatus of broad lenses placed in the center and pointed up at the sky. The prince watched as people in capes peered into the smallest lens before jotting down coordinates onto parchment. Decorating the room were large charts denoting constellations and other calculations as well as a multitude of stray papers strewn across the floor. In another wing, there were botanists surrounding gardens stacked atop each other, tending to strange-looking plants that were submerged in colored liquids. Further inside, jars of similar flora were stacked on high shelves as people in uniform ground the contents to a pulp before adding it to another mixture. 

“In case you were wondering,” the king began, “They’re cultivating plants to create more potent medicines.” 

True, it was throughout the nation and even lands beyond that Hajime’s father was regarded as the most competent and revolutionary leader in the nation's history. However, the alpha felt that the Western king was quite deserving of the title as well. It was due to his forward thinking and keen eye for innovation that the West had been transformed from the poorest of the kingdoms to the second richest (trailing only slightly off the southern kingdom). 

Of course, many had wondered how such extreme change was warranted for a kingdom lacking natural resources, waterways, or even foreign exports. The North, for example, was abundant in raw materials such as lumber, steel, and coal, which they had been trading since the beginning of the nation. The south, similarly, was rich in precious metals with mines full of exotic gems and even brimming with gold, silver, and platinum. Furthermore, the bordering Southern Sea promoted much trade with lands abroad, raking up a substantial fortune from that alone. The eastern kingdom, though currently the poorest of the four, had been able to sustain itself purely through the promotion of fine artistry and the manufacturing of luxury products to sell through the south. Whether it was paintings, porcelain, fragrances, or cosmetics, no one did it better than the East. 

So that left the West—for years the black sheep of the group—under the constant torment of war, just barely getting by with bits of trade between the kingdoms. That was until his majesty the Western king, still a prince at the time, saw the issue as a challenge and got to work immediately. He had traveled his land to search for anything of value and become familiar with the struggles of his people, only to be enlightened with a wonderful discovery. Trapped within the confines of a place stricken with poverty, the young prince had uncovered his subjects’ admirable drive to innovate and work around the barriers. They were smart and bright, creators of some of the most ingenious solutions the prince had ever witnessed. Among the greatest was a device made of various glass lenses to magnify an image far away, put together so that villagers could spot incoming enemy sieges and act quickly. Similarly, wax candles were hard to come by and burned far too quickly. In their stead came a glass bulb containing a glowing rod that could switch on and off and even burn for days. 

Awed as he was, the prince had no clue how his people were able to create such incredible devices with the limited resources they possessed. He wondered what they could engineer if provided with all the world had to offer. Thus, he became their benefactor, scouting out the amazing minds of the land and promising to sponsor them through the endeavors. The prince didn’t care if they were alpha, omega, or beta. He hardly preferred a man or woman either, as long as they had an idea worth pursuing.

While the young prince was incredibly happy with the results of his beneficiaries, it soon occurred to him that the palace resources were dwindling. He thought long and hard about how to obtain a steady stream of stock to put his kingdom on the map and keep it there, ultimately deciding that he would need to negotiate ties between the three kingdoms to barter raw materials for his new technologies. Sure, the task was clear but resoundingly arduous since the kingdoms had not yet been united, still harboring tension from past wars and years of disagreements. Finally, as if the gods had heard his thoughts, a proclamation came that the newly crowned southern king would be uniting the kingdoms. And so the Western prince struck while the iron was hot, engaging in discussions with the new leaders and establishing an intricate weave of trade agreements. For his people, he had secured a constant supply of resources from both the north and south, even attaining the creation of a separate port along the Southwest border purely for Western goods alone. 

Though the trade network took a few years to settle, the Western king had already secured the future of his people by the time of his coronation. Initially, the West only put out inventions for easier living, but when the means to expand came along, the king wasted no time exploring sciences and disciplines beyond. And mere decades later, the Western Kingdom had established itself as the continent’s epicenter of technology and advancements. 

“There’s something I’d like to show you, Hajime,” the older alpha smiled as he beckoned him into a better-ventilated room outside the main laboratory. The clanging of steel and the smell of coal made it obvious that they were entering a forge. 

The king handed him a leather scabbard, slightly heavy in his hand due to the embellished silver chape, as well as the obvious sword housed inside. As he unsheathed the blade, Hajime’s eyes grew wide, his mouth agape. 

“This is–!” he trailed off in fascination, his gaze flitting to the king who was already staring at him with a smile. 

“Carbon-infused steel. I thought you might like it.” 

Excitedly, he juggled the grip between his hands, admiring the lightweight and flexibility of the blade as it twisted and vibrated in the air. “But this material is almost impossible to mold, let alone smith. How on Earth was this made?” 

The western alpha laughed heartily. “My dear boy, with due time you’ll find that here in the Western kingdom, nothing is impossible.” He snapped his finger and servants rushed to bring a hefty piece of a tree trunk before him. “You’re welcome to try it out,” he said, outstretching his palm towards the piece of wood. 

With a smirk, Hajime ran his palm along the grip of the sword admiring the beautiful artistry along the pommel. There were silver roses welded into spirals, detailed enough that he could see each petal and thorn. The prince swung the weapon expertly, slicing the block in one quick motion and earning him quiet applause from the limited presence in the room. 

Hajime lowered his head in respect. “To what do I owe such a wonderful gift?” 

The king smiled and for a second he looked like someone familiar. “Well, we thought of it as a thank you, for disrupting your routine and forcing you to come west.” 

We? The alpha pondered as he bowed once more. “I’ll treasure it, your majesty. Thank you.” 

“Certainly, commander,” the older royal looked at the band on his wrist, “Ah well, it seems I’m late for a meeting. Before you leave Hajime, do visit the gardens.” He pointed to a large set of doors down the hall, “You may not find them as interesting as the sword, but they are quite beautiful.” 

After the conversation ended, Hajime entered the gardens as instructed, starting along a path of flattened stones. Instantly, his senses were flooded with the overbearing scent of roses. Now, one might expect that a garden would smell of flowers but this was something intense. And upon further inspection, each bush, tree, leaf, or branch was adorned with roses for as far as the eye could see. 

More interesting was the range of colors that the roses appeared in. First, Hajime walked along a trail decorated by the purest of white flowers, large enough that one might have mistaken them for perched doves. The white petals blended into a delightful maze of yellow, with some roses holding a light, parchment-like color and others, as vibrant as a sunbeam. The prince kept along the trail, amazed to find green roses, camouflaged in the leaves but still formed into complete florets. A few paces down were pinks of all shades—pale pastels, deep fuchsias, and even orange-coralish colors. He crossed under an arch of light purples organized elegantly above the pathway, then noticed the grove of incredibly vibrant red roses. Never had he seen such rich shades of red, like they had been dipped in blood. When the floral scent became far too overwhelming, Hajime began back down the path to where he came from. 

“Leaving without saying goodbye?” 

The alpha stood still at the familiar sound of Tooru’s voice. He looked around the empty path for him, wondering if he had simply hallucinated. The truth was that Hajime had been feeling rather guilty since their last encounter in the southern kingdom, looking for the perfect moment to apologize for his words. A swish from the trees above him gave away the omega’s location as Hajime peered up to the sight of the beauty seated along a thick branch. 

The sun shone on Tooru’s pale yellow gown that draped over his raised knees. He set the book he was reading down in his lap and smiled down at the alpha. 

“Tooru,” the southerner lowered his head in greeting. 

The breeze blew around them, shaking some leaves from the tree and rustling the pages of the omega’s book. 

His hair held a single yellow rose resting against his ear. “We meet again, Hajime-san.” 

The westerner swung his legs over the branch, his skirt swishing about revealing the white of his lace underskirt. Hajime didn’t know why he looked away. 

“Is my gift to your liking?”

“Pardon?” he looked back up in confusion. 

The omega smiled. “That sword at your hip. I commissioned it as gratitude for your transfer. Father was about to present you with a silver band,” he laughed to himself, “But I felt that a weapon of some kind would be of more use.” 

How strange, Hajime thought, that someone who had met him only once could present him with the gift of a lifetime. “Thank you,” he spoke genuinely, “It’s a lovely blade indeed. I shall treasure it.”

During the beats of silence, the alpha sighed to himself. “Listen Tooru, I’ve been meaning to apologize for the last time we spoke. Those words…I hardly meant any of them-”

“Say Commander,” Tooru cut him off, “If I were to request your help getting down from this tree, would you offer your hand or…” he giggled, “Would you insist that I wait for Wakatoshi?”

Hajime took his joke as a sign of forgiveness, rolling his eyes before making his way just under the branch and holding out his arm for the other to take. The omega wasn’t terribly high up that he couldn’t be caught, yet slightly too high to jump down without injuring his legs. It made the alpha wonder how he had managed to get up in the first place. 

Instead of grabbing the southerner’s palm, Tooru handed him the book from his lap. Before Hajime could question the action, the omega jumped from the branch. 

“Hey!” The alpha shouted as he moved frantically, catching the other in his arms just in time.

The leaves rained down on them as Hajime processed what had just happened. He had one palm underneath the prince’s knees and the other around his upper back, holding onto the Westerner like a princess from a fairytale. 

“What the bloody hell were you thinking!” The alpha scolded only to be silenced by the omega’s unbounded laughter. He wondered how someone could still look good even with bits of leaves and yellow grains of pollen stuck in their hair. With their faces only inches apart, Hajime could smell him clearly, the rose-scented pheromones clouding his senses with a ferocity befitting a dominant royal omega. 

“As expected of a commander, your reflexes are quite magnificent, “Tooru praised. “The same could be said about these arms,” he smirked as his gaze flitted to the alpha’s biceps that bulged at the places he was holding the other. 

Hajime sighed. “Go on, get down then.” 

“But so soon?” the omega teased, wrapping his arms around the southerner’s neck. “Why not stay like this a bit longer? I reckon you wouldn’t drop me, hmm?” 

It was the truth. Hajime couldn’t have dropped Tooru even if he wanted to with the way the Westerner held a grip on his neck. But it was a truly dangerous position to be in, holding a taken omega in his arms—no matter the circumstances. As if the timing couldn’t be worse, the clunking of boots against the floor began to resound through the garden.

“Tooru!” 

Hajime’s stomach dropped at the sound of Wakatoshi’s voice, loud and clear. “Get down dammit!” he began to whisper-shout. “If your fiancé catches us like this-” 

The alpha watched as Tooru slid a thumb against his rouge-covered lips, smudging a red stain down onto his chin before swiping the excess from his finger onto Hajime’s lips. 

“Tooru, where are you?” the northern alpha’s voice grew closer and closer. 

It was at that moment that Hajime realized he had been used as a pawn in the omega’s pitiful scheme. A scheme that had been in play from the moment he stepped foot in the gardens. The overwhelming and almost nauseating scent of roses was due to Tooru’s pheromones which he had been steadily releasing to fill the space. The rouge was the finishing touch, false evidence of a kiss that had never been, painting poor Hajime as the secret paramour.  

“To-” 

Hajime watched as it all played out in slow motion. Wakatoshi stumbled upon them, the expression on his face never faltering yet his minty pheromones heightened with such an intensity that the air around them turned icy. 

“Wakatoshi,” the omega began in a rather helpless tone, one the southerner had never heard. “I wasn’t expecting you.” 

The taller alpha didn’t address his fiance, flat-out ignoring him to turn his attention to the other prince. “It seems that I’ve let a snake into my garden.” 

Hajime fumed, letting his own pheromones grow in power without a care for how the omega in his arms was faring. Maybe now he would finally get down and fix this mess. “Look, I don’t fucking know what you’ve dragged me into but you better set things right,” he all but growled. 

He started toward the other alpha. “Wakatoshi-san, this is not what-” 

Tooru jumped back down onto the ground, quickly placing his palm over the alpha’s mouth and looking at him for a single moment. Hajime wished he could remain upset however, it was in that single moment that the omega’s expression spoke louder than any words would have. Brown eyes pleaded for him to play along, yet his lips were stern and unwavering. There was something in the way he looked at him that the alpha felt compelled to listen, reassured that everything would be alright. 

The omega ran toward his fiancé, grabbing onto his arm. “Spare him, Wakatoshi! It was I who seduced Hajime, therefore you mustn't be upset with anyone but me!” 

The northerner was silent, glancing from Tooru to the other alpha. “A man rendered powerless by the temptations of an omega has no right to call himself an alpha.” Finally, he addressed his fiancée. “I’ve been nothing but compliant to your disobedience, Tooru. I went against my family, even turned my back on the morals of Northern royalty. I treated you with respect, showered you with beautiful gifts and treasures; I promised you the life of a queen. Yet, despite all the time and effort I put into our union, you’ve betrayed me.” 

Hajime watched as Tooru stepped back, his aura suddenly rivaling that of the alpha. “After all I’ve done, how could I continue to accept your adoration?” 

Suddenly Wakatoshi laughed, the first time Hajime had seen it, and judging by the omega’s reaction, perhaps it was the first time the westerner had witnessed it as well. He stalked toward Tooru, taking the omega's hand and bringing it to his lips. “That’s right, you’ve lost me.” His smile dropped. “But isn’t that what you wanted from the start?”

“You knew…”

“Did you think me so naive?” He chuckled, “It seems the only true miscalculation on my part was believing that you could actually grow to love me.” 

Wakatoshi turned his back on the two, starting back down the path. “If you both believe that I will turn a blind eye to this, you are sorely mistaken.” He looked back, “The sharp sword of betrayal is double-edged.” 

Once the sound of his footsteps had turned quiet, Tooru let out a long exhale, wiping the smudged makeup from his chin. Hajime did the same before breaking the silence. “Does he always speak in tongues like that?” 

The omega sent a weak smile back before his knees wobbled and he collapsed toward the floor. Though before he could hit the ground, the commander had rushed over, those lightning-quick reflexes put to the test once more. He meant it when he said he would never drop the prince. 

“Hey,” he tried gently, “Are you alright?” 

Tooru forced a smile, “I will be, just give me a moment to calm down.”

A lighter pair of footsteps began to sound frantically down the path and Hajime felt compelled to slip away to avoid another unfamiliar situation. However, he was held in place with a squeeze to his bicep. 

“Don’t worry,” the omega whispered.

A servant with pinkish-brown hair and scrappy bangs rushed in out of breath.

“Makki,” the westerner addressed their new guest, “Why are you so frantic?” 

The visitor wheezed. “Tooru, your father—!”

At that, the prince was up on his feet as if he had never collapsed in the first place. “What about my father?”

“He’s suffered a stroke! You must come quick!”

Hajime followed Tooru’s lead as he dashed through the gardens and then the palace, trailing him as he sprinted up a spiral staircase and into his father’s bedroom. The alpha remained at the doorway as the other prince rushed to the bedside where the king rested. He watched as the Westerner grabbed the old man’s hand. 

“Father…how did this-”

“If it weren’t for your insolence his majesty would still be standing!” Two advisors burst into the room.

“How dare you enter here,” Tooru said coldly, “Taking advantage of this poor man even on his dying breath!” 

One of the men began to cackle and Hajime wrinkled his nose as he picked up on a bit of his pheromones. “You speak as if this whole ordeal isn’t the consequence of your actions. The naive omega doesn’t have a clue how his father suffered.” 

The other spoke up. “It was your fiancé who waltzed into the throne room informing us that he was annulling the engagement on the grounds of your infidelity. Furthermore, that northern brute went so far as to dissolve the alliance between our two kingdoms, taking the trade agreements down with it!” 

“To think he would stoop so low…” the omega muttered to himself. 

Hajime suddenly felt dread fill in the pit of his stomach. If Wakatoshi had severed the ties between the North and the West, had he also touched the alliance between the North and South? He closed his eyes, praying that he wouldn’t grow to regret the blind trust he placed in the omega earlier. 

Suddenly there was a hoarse sound that came from the king as he opened his mouth. 

“T-Tooru,” he whispered, calling his son over with the last bit of strength he could muster. 

“Father, I never meant-” 

“I k-know, dear boy. But y-you must make it right…Promise me you’ll fix this.” 

The omega kissed his hand. “You have my word.” 

And with that, the older man closed his eyes, a smile on his face as he breathed his last. 

Only days later, Daichi and Koushi arrived in the Western Kingdom to discuss the matter at hand. To Hajime’s surprise, his brother wasn’t upset in the slightest. He recalled the conversation they had, a secret meeting camouflaged as an innocent tea party in the rose gardens. 

“Koushi-san, I’m absolutely thrilled that you decided to accompany your husband. I wished to show you the gardens and ask for some feedback on how I can improve them,” Tooru had started. 

“What an honor to be requested by you. I must say this garden is already magnificent. How ever did you cultivate roses in such an array of hues?” The other omega drew out long enough for any prying ears to lose interest. 

It was Daichi’s turn to speak. “Let me start with my condolences. I can’t imagine how painful this must be. Uncle was an amazing ruler, may his soul live on in the kingdom's hearts and success.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Daichi. The West appreciates your support.” 

The southern king became stern. “Now I must address the troubling news. Since you’ve dragged Hajime into this, Wakatoshi has retaliated against the Southern kingdom as well. He’s halted all trade and even forced Koutarou’s troops out. No persuasion from myself or the rest of my family has swayed him.”

The omega pursed his lips. “I truly apologize, Daichi. Had I known that the South would be directly affected, I never would have roped in your brother. If I’ve betrayed your trust, I wouldn't be offended if you distanced yourself from my cause.” 

There it is again, Hajime thought to himself as Tooru’s cause was brought up. He wanted to insert himself, quickly asking all the questions he wished he could scream out. But brutish as the alpha was, even he knew when to sit quietly.

Daichi chuckled. “I never said I stopped trusting you. In fact, if I didn’t intend on seeing this through, I wouldn’t have pledged loyalty at the start.” 

Tooru let a smile show. “I rather like you southern boys. Reliable, kind, righteous—I’ve yet to have a bad experience. Aside from…” he turned to face Hajime. 

The alpha huffed, finally speaking up. “I do believe I’ve righted my wrongs. Surely my debt has been repaid,” he grumbled. 

“Hmm, I’ll consider it,” the omega teased. 

Hajime rolled his eyes, shaking his head at the amused glance shared between Koushi and his brother due to his banter with the Western prince. He shot them a look, “ Do not misunderstand, It’s not like that ,” was what he intended to convey and he hoped he didn’t have to spell it out for them.

“Truth be told, I’m hoping that Wakatoshi will come to his senses soon and take back the order,” Daichi admitted, sporting a look of concern. “But I’d like to devise a plan in case he doesn’t. My father was devastated when the proclamation came—it was as if his life’s work had been trampled on, and I can’t imagine what will happen if a war is declared. Seeing that the North hasn’t yet become hostile toward the East, it’s unclear who they might side with.” 

Tooru sighed. “War is the worst-case scenario, and knowing Wakatoshi, this is just a blow to his ego nothing more. Cousin, right now this may seem like an empty promise, but I will set this right.” 

With the way Tooru carried himself and spoke with such certainty, Hajime felt he could have passed for a king. His aura that surpassed even Keiji’s, matched something more on par with his brother’s, and gave the omega a leader's presence. The southerner felt it earlier in the gardens as well, when Tooru challenged Wakatoshi with the prowess of a natural-born ruler. 

“And I don’t doubt you will,” Daichi spoke, “But it must be soon, before our Northern ally strays too far to the point of no return.”

_ 

The rest of Hajime’s family joined for the funeral of the Western King, offering condolences to Tooru and his devastated mother who had remained in shock since the event. It was clear how much the king’s subjects loved him—it took the entire day to get through the crowds that flocked to bless his casket. 

Though Suguru and the rest of the Eastern family attended the funeral, there was no sight of Wakatoshi nor any of the northern royals. Such controversy caused gossip to spread like wildfire at the event, and pretty soon a day set to commemorate the fallen king had turned into a frenzy of misinformation regarding Tooru’s broken engagement. Hajime could make out the insults amongst the conversation. 

“That adulterous omega seems to think that beauty can excuse betrayal. Such a mistake killed his very own father.” 

“He’s yet to shed even a single tear! That goes to show just how little he cares for the situation. How shameful.” 

“Wakatoshi-sama did the right thing abandoning such a wretched creature.” 

If Tooru had permitted it, Hajime could have made sure to escort the naysayers from the premises, maybe use a bit of violence to stop them from talking so casually about a situation they clearly knew nothing about. To be frank, even he didn’t know why the omega had acted the way he did earlier, but what he did know was it certainly was not for entertainment.

When dusk came and all the guests had begun their journeys back home, Hajime remained back at the Western palace. Instead of departing to the barracks, he offered to spend the night in the castle in case Tooru or his mother needed the protection, which the Western queen graciously accepted. The alpha was making his rounds to ensure that no troublesome presences had made their way into the building during the bustle of the funeral procession. 

He noticed a light leaking into the hallway from a room at the end and stalked over quietly to investigate. Looking inside, he was surprised to see Tooru seated on a brown leather couch with a chess board out on the table in front of him. He was by himself but it felt as if a full game was in swing.

“You’re still awake? I assumed you’d be exhausted from the day’s events.” Hajime asked, leaning against the doorframe until the omega could allow him to enter.  

Tooru laughed like he always did. “Exhausted I am, yet unable to fall asleep.” 

He padded inside, looking around the room at the broad wooden desk covered with papers and the bookshelves stacked high with titles. 

“This was father’s study,” the Westerner began, “He spent so many long nights here, working,  planning, strategizing—it made my mother mad that he wouldn’t come to bed.”  

The alpha’s eyes darted across the dark interior and then to the chess board on the table. The varnish on the checkers was slightly discolored but the set was beautiful. The white pieces had been carved from ivory and the blacks from ebony into intricate characters. After admiring the craftsmanship of the board, Hajime began to notice the game at hand. He chuckled, realizing that black had the advantage though Tooru was playing for white. 

“It was my father who taught me how to play, on this very board in fact. He knew a thing or two about strategy.” The omega reached across and lifted the black rook 2 squares over, “We played so often that I memorized the moves he would use frequently. You might think it silly but it feels as if he’s still here, beating me at a simple game of chess.”

 Tooru picked up the black queen and moved it diagonally endangering his own white king. “Checkmate,” he sighed and began to clear the pieces off the board. 

“Perhaps you’d like to play another game?” Hajime offered, chewing the inside of the cheek when he realized what he had blurted out. 

 But the westerner giggled and smiled wide, perfect teeth in view. “My My if I didn’t know any better, I’d think the commander was trying to comfort me.” 

It may have been a poor attempt but yes, the alpha was indeed trying to comfort the other. Tooru hadn’t exactly received many condolences due to the rumors spread by the families of his father’s advisors. It upset Hajime that the blame had been placed solely on the other prince, though Wakatoshi and himself were equally involved in the king's demise. 

“I’m not very good with words. But if my company can ease your mood, then use me as you see fit.” 

When Tooru nodded and gestured a hand to the chair in front of him, the alpha began restoring the black pieces to their rightful places. Suddenly, it occurred to Hajime that he could use the game to his advantage. 

“What do you say to upping the stakes?” 

The omega looked up. “Meaning?” 

“For every piece I take, I get to ask you a question,” the Southerner proposed. 

“And for every one that I capture?” Tooru smirked. 

“You can ask me anything as well.” 

“Deal. In fact, why stop there? Let’s place a bet on the match itself.” 

This was a dangerous game he was getting himself into, but Hajime was a fearless man. War didn’t scare him, whether it was on the battlefield or the chessboard. 

“Alright. If I win, you'll tell Wakatoshi the truth and spare the South from retaliation.” 

Tooru laughed again. “I promise. But if I win,” he held his chin for a brief moment as if to think of what to ask for, “You will grant me any single wish.” 

“Deal.” 

They shook on it and began the game. Sure enough, Hajime took one pawn with his own starting the first advance. 

“Why did you pull that stunt in the gardens today?” 

“Because I realized it was the only way I could get Wakatoshi to break off the engagement.” 

Wow. Hajime was stunned that he could admit it so casually. What he needed to figure out was why.

Tooru moved his knight out and Hajime took another random pawn. “Was it really necessary for you to drag me in? Or was it just pure convenience?” 

“Actually it had to be you,” the omega took a deep breath as he made his next move. “You see, a few years ago my father held a competition to determine my future husband. As I was his darling omega son, he wanted the best of the best, so he invited all the noble alpha’s of the kingdom to compete in the test of all tests to win my hand. We were certainly surprised when Wakatoshi, whom I had known since childhood, entered his own name.” 

“And he won?” 

“Waka passed with flying colors,” Tooru chuckled fondly, “There wasn’t a single challenge he couldn’t conquer. Intellectually he was flawless, able to solve complicated mathematical expressions, and even composed an original sonnet that brought the room to their knees. Physically, he surpassed the rest. He was an archer, a true swordsman and not to mention a phenomenal hunter. Father sent the men into the woods to catch a deer and present the pelt, but that man returned with a damn bear.” 

“Any omega should feel proud to have such a remarkable husband?” Hajime tried, uncertain if the comment would be deemed unpleasant. 

“Well, I was against the prospect as a whole. To be regarded as a prize, something to be won— quite disgusting isn’t it?”  

The alpha felt something deep inside at the statement, something that took on a profound understanding. He knew better than anyone what it meant. 

“Certainly.” 

Tooru moved his white bishop, finally taking one of Hajime’s pawns. “Why did you play along? From the way you acted at the wedding, I assumed you were one of those alphas who lived life on a high horse.” 

The southerner became earnest. “You looked like you needed my help. And as commander, it’s my duty to help those in need.” 

“Just your duty?” he mumbled. 

“Pardon?” 

“Your move,” Tooru pointed back to the board. 

Another capture. “So why did you have to use me? You never explained.” 

“There were many things I attempted to get Wakatoshi to break off the engagement. I tried being unpleasant. I yelled. I was irritable. Of course, he didn’t budge so I stepped all over his family values. I insisted on sitting at the head of their family table,” he giggled, “You should have seen the faces on those snooty northern royals. And then I had the wonderful idea to flirt with his father…And when that didn’t work I decided to flirt with his mother.”

If Hajime had been drinking water he would have choked on it.

“No reaction?” 

“No reaction,” the omega confirmed. “Finally, I wondered if the jealousy route would prove to be more successful. I covered myself in the pheromones of one of the palace guards, which didn’t seem to irk him. But then I saw the way he tensed when I invited your brother Koutarou in for tea, and sure enough, a similar reaction when he saw us talking at the wedding.” 

“You’re saying that…”

Tooru moved the white knight taking Hajime’s black bishop. “Tell me, would you deem a band of mercenaries equal in threat to a whole army?”

“That’s child's play.” 

“Exactly how Wakatoshi feels about the majority of men out there. Except for you and Koutarou—princes, commanders, intellects, just like him.” 

“But what about Daichi or Tetsu?” Hajime asked. 

“Well Daichi is my cousin and everyone knows Tetsu could never be serious about an omega. It would never work. Pretty soon Koutarou became out of the question as well, what with his engagement to Keiji who comes from good breeding and is equally lovely as me.” 

“And that left me,” the alpha caught on, both to the omega’s plot and also the game which he had been neglecting. He made a bold move, dragging his queen from her place at the edge and swiping a white knight.

“Check,” he stated before darkening his gaze. “There’s a certain conversation I’ve been meaning to inquire about…” 

Tooru cocked his head to the side. “Enlighten me?” 

“Between you and my two older brothers. I’ve overheard words revealing a cause of some sort.”

“Ah,” the westerner straightened his back, adjusting his braided hair so that it rested elegantly along his shoulder. “You want to know about my cause.”

Hajime listened attentively as the query could finally be answered.

“It’s quite simple—I wish to rule my own kingdom.” 

… 

The alpha was surprised that the idea hadn’t crossed his mind out of all the possible reasons he had hypothesized on his own. 

“When Wakatoshi proposed, he told my father that through the alliance, he intended to combine the North and West into one kingdom to be ruled in tandem by both royal families. He would be the king and I’d be queen. Though the prospect seemed ideal, I was skeptical of my role and had good reason to be.” 

Tooru moved his king over two spaces, swapping it with his rook and away from Hajime’s threat. “I was just a trophy to him, a prize for his capabilities. The fabled goddess of an omega on the arm of the great Northern king. And that was all he liked about me in the first place—my beauty that he praised so eternally above all else. Though so long as I was his omega, there wasn’t a chance he would regard me as an equal.” 

“So you had to leave him,” Hajime stated plainly. 

The omega nodded. “There is much change that needs to happen in our nation, change that has been due for centuries. Now that I’m free from those unfortunate circumstances, I am certain that I am the only king who can help my subjects.” 

There it was again. The blind trust that the southern felt in the presence of the other. His words, full of certainty with the true poise of a leader. But wait…king? “Don’t you mean queen?” 

Tooru smirked. “It’s true that the queen has the most power over the board, yet…” he swiped the black queen with a bishop stationed all the way across the squares. “Her death has little significance in the grand scheme of things. Ultimately, it’s the capture of the king that wins the game.” 

At the crushing loss of his queen, Hajime finally observed the state of the game. His many haphazard plays solely to ask questions had caught up, and inevitably, he was left only with measly pawns to defend his king. The alpha smiled at his own foolishness, gazing at the white knight that had long been intimidating his king.

“I’m afraid that’s a checkmate, Commander,” the omega smiled up at him. “Now as per our bet…”

Hajime laughed with genuineness. “You’ve won, fair and square. Name your price.” 

The Westerner became solemn. “I will indeed rule my kingdom, but even I am aware of the limitations that arise in such an environment. Though my intellect, my aura, and my strategy can stand alone, I’m still an omega. This body, if charged or bombarded by pheromones in the sea of alphas I will be challenging, may show weakness. Therefore, I need protection to ensure I can sustain even the fiercest of physiological attacks.” 

“What are you asking of me?” 

“When I met with your brothers,” Tooru continued, “Koutarou agreed to detach from his duties as a southern commander and act as my personal bodyguard, all until the day of my coronation. I understand that this is no longer possible as per Keiji’s pregnancy, but I was promised security and I demand it.”

The Southerner caught on. “You want me to take his place?” 

“You’re the only one who can,” the omega said firmly, “I need someone who can act quickly, a protector who I’m certain won't harm me. And judging by our previous interactions, your indifference shows me that you remained unaffected by my appearance and pheromones.”

“I see…” 

Tooru began to put the chess pieces back into a drawstring pouch. “You will be my shield until the time of my coronation. I expect you to remain by my side wherever and whenever I request. In addition to that, your role as Southern commander will be reassigned to Koutarou, though I grant you full control of the western militia. Your orders will come directly from me and you will be obliged to listen only to me. Are we clear?” 

Hajime let out a deep breath. Technically, he was in no place to refuse since he had lost the game. But surprisingly, he felt that he would have agreed regardless—bet or not. Tooru’s intentions were pure and regal, and his focus on the well-being of his subjects had long convinced the alpha that he was the perfect candidate to lead the West. “Yes sir,” he lowered his head. 

A childish giggle came from the westerner, breaking the seriousness of the conversation at hand. “Just Tooru is fine.” He held out his palm once more for the other to kiss.

It was a quick motion but the alpha watched as the strap of his nightgown slipped off a slender shoulder at the action. Rose pheromones like the ones in the garden hung in the air, and Tooru’s eyes followed Hajime’s fingers as they reached over and lifted it back into place.  

Then the southerner took his hand, observing the ring on his finger. Wakatoshi’s extravagant gift was nowhere to be seen, instead replaced by a simple silver ring engraved with the Western family crest. He quickly realized that it was the same band worn by the late western king, wondering when the omega had slipped it from his father’s hand and onto his own. 

Carefully, Hajime brought his lips down onto the signet, a kiss sealing the bond as he too pledged his loyalty toward the omega’s long overdue cause. 

Chapter Text

Hajime didn't know exactly when the dreams had started or even why they began in the first place. He did, however, know they were truly terrifying. 

In deep sleep, his mind conjures up the scene—wandering the halls of the Western palace that seem to extend forever into the infinite. Sooner or later he’ll come across a full-sized mirror, leading the alpha to discover that he's horrifyingly naked as the day he was born. The creak of a door follows soon, and light bleeds into the hallway up ahead. He follows mindlessly like a moth to a flame, entering to find Tooru seated on an extravagant throne. 

He approaches him, a dog before his master, and kneels. Then there’s a slight tightness at his neck that reveals a leather collar pulled snug at his jugular. Hajime claws at it to no avail, vision going blank as it constricts more and more. 

Each time the alpha jolted awake, he would have to change the covers from how drenched in his sweat they were. It didn’t help that it was deep summer, with nights as blaring hot as back south. Not daring to venture back to sleep, Hajime decided to walk the corridors for peace of mind. 

A month had officially passed since the southerner had pledged loyalty to the western omega and left his military quarters to live in the palace. Though he had made the decision mostly on his own account, lately it felt as if he was truly losing his autonomy. Tooru had requested his protection, and while the prince had been locked away in his father’s study drawing up plans and future measures, Hajime was required to be at his beck and call. 

“Commander, be a dear and fetch me some more ink.” 

“Get me a glass of tea and then shut the door.” 

“Hajime, does this dress contrast my hair?” 

He had agreed to be Tooru’s knight, not his slave. Hajime assumed a prince as influential as the Westerner would have hundreds of maids and servants tending to him, yet interestingly enough, he seldom noticed any recurring attendants. Other than an omega by the name of Makki, it didn’t seem that Tooru had many friends either. The alpha had simply assumed that the prospects would be too threatened by the other’s beauty or status to stay by his side. 

Still, Hajime was relieved in the moments he was allowed back to the military base to perform his commander duties. He was permitted to leave in the mornings and return mid-afternoon, making him wonder what else Tooru got up to during the time he was away. 

Upon reaching the grounds, the alpha was met with a confusing sight. All the soldiers, officers, and even some of the captains were assembled, moving gear and supplies into the main square. Horses were being moved out of the stables and strapped with large wooden wagons of artillery—as if they were preparing for battle. 

“Mattsun!” he shouted to one of his sub-commanders who was suiting up just outside the barracks. “What is going on?” 

The other alpha continued his preparations. “Sir. We are assembling for war as per your command.” 

“My command?” Hajime arched his brow. “I have not given such a command.” 

 Matsukawa stopped, looking at his superior with a puzzled expression. “That can’t be? Early this morning, we received an official royal notice that war was to be declared against the northern kingdom. Surprising as it was, we had assumed that it was your immediate order to move to the borders.”  

Without giving a response, Hajime darted to a nearby horse and mounted it before charging back down the path from where he came. Surely a royal notice would have come from Tooru, and it bewildered the alpha as to why he hadn’t been consulted on a matter that related directly to him—these were his troops after all. 

Furthermore, it was a severely alarming order to be given judging by its sheer stupidity. To go up against the North, whose army outnumbered the West by the thousands, was a death wish. Just what was the prince thinking? Hajime wondered as he snapped the reins of the steed he was riding in an attempt to increase its pace. 

Out of breath, he threw open the doors to Tooru’s study finding the omega engrossed in his work as expected. He smiled at him carelessly before looking back at his papers. “Back so soon, Hajime?” 

“Why have you declared war against Wakatoshi without consulting me!?

Tooru cocked his head. “War? Don’t be ridiculous, I have not declared anything of the sort.” 

He’s unaware? Hajime tensed. “My men down at the base are relocating as we speak. They claim that a royal proclamation of war came this morning.” 

At his words, the Westerner’s eyes widened and he stood up from his desk, making his way frantically to the door. “It can’t be!” he gritted his teeth, and Hajime followed him out into the hallway. 

They ran across the courtyard, the alpha closely behind the omega. He watched as the ribbon holding Tooru’s hair flew off in motion and released his brown curls, swishing along with the train of his blue dress. He gathered it quickly in his palm before they reached the council building. 

As they stalked down the corridor, the sound of voices could be made out. 

“I should sign my name here?” 

“Yes your majesty, right on that line. And when you’re finished, there’s plenty more to be-” 

Tooru flung the doors open, revealing a horrifying discovery. Certain advisors of the late king were crowded around the head of the table with stacks of papers waiting to be signed. At the center of it all sat the young prince Tobio as overwhelmed as a young colt attempting to walk for the first time. 

“Tooru! You’re alright!” he exclaimed, standing up to greet his cousin. 

The omega held his hand up. “What is the meaning of this?” 

An advisor cleared his throat. “I don’t believe this is a matter we are permitted to discuss with you, Tooru-sama. Do return to your chambers to rest, or whatever it is that you omegas entertain yourselves with during the day.” 

Hajime observed the prince’s face as he took a deep breath. Regardless of how insulting the words were, he held his tongue, unsure if Tooru would take offense if the alpha spoke for him. 

“I require a moment alone with my cousin,” the omega announced and the council begrudgingly deserted the room. He held Hajime back with his hand. “You may stay.” 

Tooru visibly relaxed his demeanor. “Tobio, start from the beginning, and don’t leave anything out.” 

The boy seemed as frazzled and confused as the rest. “Around two weeks ago, a letter addressed to me was received at the academy. It was from one of Uncle’s councilmen, and he wrote that I had been named as the successor to the Western throne.” The alpha addressed his cousin, “He also mentioned that while you had been running the affairs temporarily, an illness from travels had caused you to remain at an inn along the Northern border.” 

“You mean to tell me that you have been out of school for two weeks?” 

Tobio paced about. “I had no choice! That man signed the letter urging me to come immediately. And since I’ve arrived, they present paper after paper for me to approve.” 

The omega walked over to the desk observing some of the documents that hadn’t been collected. He clenched his jaw, picking up a sheet and ripping it clean in half. 

“What’s that?” 

Tooru shook his head. “If you had bothered to read the print, you’d have caught the clause that dedicated acres of capital land to one of those scoundrels outside.” 

The Southerner cleared his throat. “I assume you were tricked into declaring war against the North?” 

“Certainly not, Hajime-san! Those Northern bastards should pay for what they’ve done to us,” the young prince declared. 

As if on cue both Tooru and Hajime gaped at the other. 

“You…” the omega began, “My, you’re a bigger idiot than I would have predicted.” 

Now it was Hajime’s turn to scold. “What the bloody hell were you thinking? It would be suicide to challenge Wakatoshi’s army without seeking men from the other kingdoms. Not everything can be solved with brute force!” 

Tobio frowned at being reprimanded by the man he looked up to so immensely. “I apologize for my poor judgment, I wasn’t thinking properly.” 

“Furthermore,” Tooru added, “Our available resources would drain like quicksand if war was provoked at a time like this. Truly, what made you believe we could afford to go against the Northern kingdom?” 

The young alpha slumped down into his chair without giving a response. He put his elbows up on the table, holding his face in his hands and letting out a deep exhale. “I don’t want to be king…I should have never come,” he mumbled. 

His cousin came up behind him, offering a gentle hand on his shoulder. “And you hardly needed to.” 

Tobio looked up. “But you were sick. They told me that-” 

“ They lied. I haven’t left the palace in weeks.” 

“For what purpose?” 

Tooru patted his head. “Those men just needed a naive boy to manipulate into their schemes. There is no such rule that decrees only an alpha can inherit the throne. But…if you entrust the kingdom to me, I will see to it that such deception must be punished.” 

The dark-haired alpha chuckled. “Who else but you? If I am no longer needed then I’m permitted to return to school?”

“As early as tomorrow.” 

When Tobio left the room to pack his things, Hajime watched as the omega ripped up all the documents that remained on the table. “It seems that I must act sooner than I thought…” he muttered to himself, chewing on his thumb.” 

_

The next day itself, Hajime was summoned to the council chambers for a meeting called by Tooru himself. Though the alpha had agreed to serve as the prince’s bodyguard, he wished he could have had a larger role in the omega’s plans. It would be nice to receive at least a word of context to avoid looking like a lost puppy following the other around mindlessly.

The pair entered to find the advisors already seated across a long conference table. Furthermore, the majority of them didn’t even rise to greet the royal omega as he entered the room. 

Tooru cleared his throat, taking his seat at the head of the table while Hajime retreated to the corner of the room to watch from afar. Confused gazes followed him as he leaned against the wall, ready to pounce at the slightest command. “Firstly, I would like to thank you all for attending. I am truly grateful for your support throughout my father’s reign.” His eyes darkened, “However…I must express my disappointment at summoning Tobio to sign off on your propositions without consulting me.” 

Hajime noticed a murmur in the room and a shift in the body language of many of the advisors. 

“Though, it’s plenty clear that not all of you were involved in this plot. Do tell, whose bright idea it was to drag that boy over here behind my back.” 

The men in the room looked at each other before one stood up and addressed the omega. “Your Highness…” he began in a tone that the alpha recognized as ingenuine, “We simply felt that after your incident involving Wakatoshi-sama, it would be best to get the kingdom back on track as soon as possible.” 

Tooru squinted. “And you decided that a teenaged boy yet to graduate was the best candidate to lead the Western kingdom?” 

The man chuckled. “Tobio-sama, while young and lacking experience, proves to be quite the asset.”

“Easily malleable,” another added. 

The westerner laughed at this and the room once again fell into confusion. “I suppose you mean easily manipulated.” 

Their silence indicated that Tooru’s declaration wasn’t far from the truth. “I’ve read some of the clauses you pushed onto him. To keep your own power, you just need a naive alpha to manipulate.” He waited a moment, “Just like you manipulated my father all those years.” 

Hajime was reminded just how much he hated kingdom politics. He couldn't stand the conspiracy, the secrets, the greed for power that seemed to lurk in the corners of the palace and the parliament. 

He had tried his hardest to erase the memories from his childhood when such pointless politics had caused him to resent his oldest brother for a whole year. 

Many admired the great southern king for his achievements in uniting the kingdoms and protecting his nation among other things. But even a king such as him had his fair share of critics. The biggest reason being his choice to wed multiple brides, especially the ones that weren't of Southern lineage. 

The problem remained with the heir, a prince from a Western mother. While the councilmen were divided between the public's disapproval and the wishes of their king, some saw it as an opportunity to ascend the ranks of position by proving they could come up with a solution. A perfect balance lay within the pureblood child, Hajime, and though he was third in the birth order, he had been made to compete against his brother for the title of crown prince. 

As young boys, he and Daichi had attended many events together—council meetings, diplomatic visits—and it was clear to see that they were competing. It confused Hajime further when certain advisors would insist that he was the rightful heir. They called him purebred, and praised him for it over any of his physical abilities. 

Because the truth was that his older brother was simply made for the throne. The way he spoke, assertive but polite, so positively regal for a boy of their age. Even in the ways that he acted, Daichi had a discipline to him that Hajime could only dream of possessing for himself. So perhaps he never truly hated his brother, more that he hated he wasn’t more like him. 

Hajime wanted to serve his kingdom, but it seemed that the position of king had already been destined for Daichi. So he took the advice of his second oldest brother and joined the military, finding out quickly enough that his forte rested in his fists. The rest was history. 

“Whether you choose to admit it or not, I could care less,” Tooru’s voice brought him back to the present. “I understand that I’ve summoned you with little notice, so I’ll be frank. Please raise your hand if you object to my assumed position as king.” 

There was a common sound of discontent that spread throughout the room as many firm hands shot up into the air, almost more than half. The omega kept his calm demeanor, however, and once the last of the protesters had been identified he simply nodded. “Very well. Those of you with your hand raised, you have been officially relieved of your duties. 

Hajime looked around at the stunned faces after Tooru’s blunt command. Their eyes looked as if they could pop out of their skulls at any minute, and with the way their mouths hung open, one might have mistaken this for a choral performance. But no sweet music filled the air, just the unpleasant scrape of a chair being pushed across the floor as one advisor stood. 

“This is preposterous!” he shouted, face flushed with embarrassment and gaze filled with rage. “Y-you can’t just do this!” 

The omega laughed his beautiful laugh. “Well, I am to be ruler of my kingdom. How can I dream of being accepted by my subjects if not even by my own council?” 

“But you’re just a stupid omega! What the bloody hell do you know about ruling?” 

“Well, I was hoping you all would be able to teach me,” he drawled sweetly. “But judging from those papers you drew up earlier, it would appear that I’m not the only novice in this room.” 

An annoyed grunt followed by a foul stench in the air caused Hajime to clench his jaw. Someone had released their disgusting pheromones in an attempt to subdue the omega and it seemed to be working, as Tooru went pale. The southerner let his own intimidating ones slowly seep into the air as well, and it appeared that the warning was enough to make it stop. The others could sense that the prince’s aura was like no other. 

They rose from their seats, gathering their belongings sloppily and stomping to the exit. “You’re making a big mistake! There is not a soul in this kingdom that would ever accept you as their ruler.” And with that, they slammed the door with a loud crash. 

Tooru visibly relaxed, turning to the six remaining men left in the room. With kinder eyes, he took in the faces of the advisors who had truly helped his father over the many years. “You’ve made the right decision choosing to stay. Though I must ask, for what reasons do you remain by my side?” 

An older man with pinkish-brown hair stood. “Your majesty, the house of Hanamaki has been loyal to the royal family for generations. I don’t desire to tarnish the good reputation of my ancestors.” He smiled, “Besides, you have taken such great care of my Takahiro all these years. I have no doubt that you will care for your subjects all the same.” 

Hajime could recognize the next alpha that rose from his chair. “Tooru-sama, we fathers raise our sons to be in our likeness. It is tradition that the house of Matsukawa sends our best soldiers to fight in the name of the king. My father enlisted as did I, and now my son holds a position as well. That being said, you are his majesty’s son, the only one in fact. And if our great king had not intended for you to succeed him…well, he certainly wouldn’t have raised you so alike in his own image.” 

The rest of the council nodded to agree and the omega felt warm that he could be held to the same regard as the father he so admired. “My council,” he addressed them, “Your loyalty will not go unrewarded. Just as you have not let me down today, I promise that I will uphold my duties as well.” 

_ 

Back at the palace, Hajime noticed that Tooru had seemed different. During dinner, he zoned out frequently and barely ate half his portion before retreating back to his room for the rest of the evening. 

Hours later as he lay on his own bed, the alpha felt the strong urge to check up on the other. He wondered if the omega’s strange attitude had been a result of the rotten pheromones that had targeted him earlier. Then he feared that Tooru might have been weakened by his own intense scent and if that was the case, then surely an apology was in order. 

But it was late at night and if the westerner was sleeping, Hajime certainly didn’t want to wake him. He paused. Since when did he have so much care for an omega? The alpha shook the thoughts from his head as he rose to complete his rounds for the night. 

Walking down the darkened hallway, Hajime felt a sense of deja vu seeing the light at the end of the hall. He stalked closer, catching the omega with his head down, asleep at the desk. Judging by the stacked books, the broken pens, and splotches of ink, he had been hard at work once again. 

“Hey..” Hajime shook him lightly, sighing when the omega didn’t budge. 

There was a quiet sniffle that came from the sleeping beauty, and that was when the southerner noticed the labored breathing and trembling every now and then. He brushed the hair from Tooru’s face, watching as a tear raced past the reddened skin near his eyes and down the bridge of his nose. Hajime looked at the papers crinkled under the omega’s grasp—there were two distinct sets of handwriting, one belonging to the prince and the other on older paper unknown to him. 

The alpha looked at the documents crumpled and tear-stained under the westerner’s sleeping form. If they were important then surely the other wouldn’t want them getting anymore ruined and so Hajime began to salvage what he could. In the process, Tooru woke up startled to see that he wasn’t alone.

“Hajime-san!” he exclaimed, quickly wiping the remnants of tears from his cheek as if the other hadn’t already seen. He jumped up, running a hand through his brown curls and retying the robe that had fallen open, revealing his graceful nightdress. “Oh my, I must have lost track of time.” He left for the door on light feet. 

It was a strange thing that Hajime felt at that moment, watching the omega try his hardest to mask the clear sorrow. The Southerner had seen a great deal of terrible scenes throughout his life, whether it was on the battlefields or in the city streets of his home, but nothing could have compared to the sight of Tooru’s tears. The pain in his chest was agonizing, as the alpha realized that there was nothing he could do to stop them. 

But, worse was the thought that the Westerner would return to his bed, only to resume his crying in the solitude of the dark room. Hajime had spent enough time with the omega to realize that he only shed his tears when he believed no one was watching. It had only been a few weeks since his father’s passing, but Tooru was too stubborn to let them see him so weak. 

“Wait!” Hajime called after him, and the omega looked back with glossy eyes. “You…” He tried his best to compose himself, not wanting to sound like an utter fool. “You shouldn’t be alone.” 

Tooru’s laugh which he used like a mask seeped out. “What’s this? I never could have expected-” 

“Just stop.” Before the alpha knew what he wanted to say, the words began to fly. “Stop trying to act like you’re alright, not with me at least.” He continued at the omega’s silence and the wide-eyed stare he sent back instead. 

“If you need to cry then go ahead and cry. Don’t hide it behind a smile or a laugh, not in front of me. You’re one of the strongest men I know, Tooru, no stray tear could ever make me think otherwise.” 

The omega focused on his breaths until they stopped stuttering completely. “...I suppose I don’t want to be alone either.” 

The westerner slipped back onto the leather couch, pulling his legs up close to his chest and Hajime took a seat next to him. After a moment, Tooru noticed the other’s curious gaze as if he were waiting for a speech or a story of some kind. And so he began to speak his mind, this time without the need of a chess game. 

“Matsukawa-san’s words made me remember my father,” he began. “It was an honor to be compared to him. He really was a great man…if only he could have seen that he was being used.” 

“Used?” 

“Father tended to equate progress with profit, and so any man who could generate revenue was considered an asset. However, men with an eye for money are also bound to have considerable amounts of greed as well.

One could only imagine the number of pointless papers my father signed that all but funneled money directly to their residences. I knew that the first thing I needed to do as king was abolish the current system.” 

Hajime was unaware of how Western politics worked. “And what is this system?” 

“There are thirteen noble houses that serve our direct family. Each owns a considerable amount of land within the capital and into the countryside as well,” he explained, “All the houses send one representative to advise the king on financial, technological, or even military topics. They also inform the king of any issues happening within their sector—though hardly ever helpful since all of the advisors reside in the capital. It’s almost impossible to know what is happening in the outer corners of the kingdom.” 

“What do you intend to do about the seven men that you let go of?” The alpha suspected Tooru had a plan, much like he always did, and he was itching to find out just what it was. 

“I shall fill their positions with those that are more deserving. There are many in this kingdom without a voice, and I intend to give them a say in their laws and policies. While father may have favored wealth, I would be grateful to anyone who could advise me on how to best help my people.” 

It was common knowledge that Tooru was beautiful, but the southerner would always be more impressed by the other’s mind. Though it took some effort to keep up with all his genius thoughts and plans, Hajime found that he quite tolerated chasing behind when it came to the Westerner. 

“There was…a considerable amount of corruption within the south as well,” the alpha began without truly realizing why he felt he should add on. “It was partially the reason I stayed away from politics and such.” 

Brown eyes lit up. “I didn’t know you had experience in southern politics?” 

Hajime laughed dryly. “Limited. But I quite prefer it that way.” 

He spoke about his childhood, the competition between him and Daichi, and all the pressure and ill feelings that were bred from it. Tooru took it all in with an honest fascination—Hajime had never really talked about himself before. 

“It’s quite a pathetic story, so I don’t tell it often,” the alpha looked at the clock on the wall, “I don’t mean to bore you at such a late hour.” 

“Not at all!” The omega said, sounding almost desperate. “Actually, I… I’m glad that I wasn’t the only one to…” 

Hajime noticed the other’s hesitance as he trailed off as if remembering something painful. “Is something the matter?” 

Tooru composed himself, adjusting the way he was sitting. “I mentioned that my father was often blinded by money. Sometimes, he didn’t even question how it was obtained.” 

There was an uncharacteristic uncertainty with the way the omega spoke. “If it’s too painful to remember, you don’t need to on my behalf-” 

“No, it’s…I want to tell you.”  Tooru plucked a dusty pink rose from his hair, twirling it between his fingers, and began his story.

“I suppose I should have mentioned that there used to be a fourteenth house. When I was a young boy, I’d accompany my father to his council meetings. While some looked down on an omega child listening to the important conversations at hand, there was one man there who always greeted me with a smile. Sometimes he would even ask for my opinion, though I could never tell if he was joking or not.

When I turned thirteen, I began to grow into this body of mine. I started my heats, and those around me began to mention that I’d gotten taller, my scent much sweeter and my features more beautiful. Similarly, I noticed the way my father’s men looked at me with something else in their eyes, something that felt much scarier than the judgment they had passed earlier. 

What we hadn’t been aware of was that man who had been so kind would show his true colors not long after. See, he had been in contact with a foreign ruler who expressed a sudden new interest in the West…but it wasn’t for our technology or steady growth, no, their king had taken interest in me. Word had spread that the most beautiful omega of this new era was present in the Western kingdom, and many had been dying to catch a glimpse. Behind my father’s back, that twisted advisor had sold a night with me to the foreigner for a price that exceeded fifty times the kingdom’s revenue for the year.” 

Hajime sucked in a breath thinking about the horrible things Tooru might have experienced in that moment. It seemed that the other noticed his concerned gaze and scoffed slightly. “Don’t you dare look at me like that, Hajime. At least not until you hear how the story ends.”

“One night, as I was making my way to dinner, the advisor instead spoke of a change of plans and led me to a room detached from the main palace. I was surprised at the time to find a man I had never seen before waiting for me on the bed with a terrifying smile on his face. I banged my fists against the locked door, but it was no use. The foreign king came closer, telling me I was more beautiful than words could put it, and even tried to force me onto the sheets when I obviously refused. 

So, I grabbed the glass lamp by the bed and shattered it over his head with all my might.” 

The alpha couldn’t control the smile that appeared on his face. “Thank the lord.” 

Tooru kept going. “And then I picked up a large fragment from the floor and stabbed him over and over so that he couldn’t get up and hurt me. I walked through the palace grounds with my bloody hands and dress for hours before anyone noticed. 

When my father found out who was behind the plan, he had his advisor publicly executed and even stripped his family of their noble titles. Last I heard, they were banished to the countryside.” 

“It must have been traumatic…” The southerner wished he could have said more, but stunned as he was, couldn't come up with any valuable words to fill the space.

“It was,” the omega took a deep breath, “But certainly eye-opening to say the least. If my virginity was something so valuable that people were keen on selling it or claiming it for themselves, I knew I had to part with it on my own terms.” 

The conversation was beginning to take on an intimate turn. Hajime was certainly surprised about how casually the other could discuss sex. 

_

A few weeks after the incident, a young omega wandered the palace garden. Tooru was lost in his thoughts, recalling the discussions about his actions. The kingdom decided to keep quiet about the prince’s assault, and when the diplomats came to collect the corpse of their king, the murder was instead blamed on a rogue or assassin sent from elsewhere. 

Of course, the lie was easily believed, for how could such a beautiful omega be responsible for a death as gruesome as the king’s? Tooru had been let off with a warning and instructed not to get into any more trouble. 

The air was warm and summery and he was wearing a brand new white dress. The omega had braided his hair while sitting in his favorite tree earlier, plucking the cream-colored blossoms on the tree and weaving them into his crown. How he wished for roses in the garden; they had always been his favorite flower. The king of all flowers, roses seemed to demand the attention they deserved. A rose in the gardens meant you wouldn’t stop to look at anything else because you had already seen the most beautiful. 

There was the sound of rustling behind the bushes of the dirt path and curious, Tooru crept behind to uncover the source of the noise. While he had expected a small squirrel or rabbit, it surprised the prince to discover a young man crouched on the floor, meticulously working on a small plot of land. Tooru’s eyes widened at the sight of regal pearl-colored petals.

“Those are roses!” he shouted before he knew it, startling the man who turned around with fear in his eyes. He threw himself over the flowers, shielding them from the confused omega. 

“Oh my, I’ve never seen more lovely roses,” he smiled, “Did you plant them?” 

Hesitantly the other nodded his head. 

“If you’re being this secretive about it, I’ll assume you haven’t been given permission to use this plot?” 

He shook his head slowly.

Tooru laughed, amused that the other communicated purely with his gestures. “You’re a man of few words.” 

The man averted his gaze before slowly opening his mouth and pointing to it. It was at that moment that the prince discovered that his tongue was completely missing.

“You can’t speak…” he said with a slight sadness to his tone. The prince looked back to the roses that had bloomed beautifully under his care. “Well, never mind that. Say, if I wanted a whole garden filled with these roses, would you make it happen?” 

His whole face lit up and he nodded frantically, something that made Tooru laugh. Then someone yelled to him from down the path and he began to gather his tools into a small sack. Before he left, he plucked a perfect rose from the small bush and handed it to the prince before rushing off. He smiled as he tucked the beautiful flower behind his ear. 

Tooru discovered many things about the young man in the next few weeks. He was about four years older than the omega and his father worked as a carpenter while his mother was a maid in the palace. He had been mute since birth so his father cursed him for not being able to help out in the family business. He therefore accompanied his mother as a servant in the palace. The prince was also happy to discover that the man possessed an impeccable green thumb. 

It was as if every seed he touched grew to gold. Once he perfected his signature white roses, the gardener tried his hand at the other colors. He grew roses that held a vibrant pink, ones the color of golden champagne and a rich crimson as well. With each new hue he discovered, he’d proudly show it off to Tooru who always reacted with an equal amount of excitement. 

“Blue’s always been my favorite color,” the prince had mentioned one day. “But I’ve never seen a blue rose before. I wonder if it's impossible…” 

He shook his head quickly back and forth before bringing his right hand above his heart. They had been acquainted long enough for Tooru to understand that the other meant he would try his best.

He began working immediately, digging up new plots, some in the sunlight and some in the shade. Then he started comparing the seeds of some of the rose colors he had already grown, jotting down which combinations might yield a shade resembling blue. When Tooru observed his dedication, he had a small shed built for the gardener complete with a grand chalkboard and shelves for his seeds. 

But alas, months had passed and the garden began to fill with more and more beautiful hues, yet not a speck of blue. One day, the man called Tooru into the shed to show him the progress. While he had been hopeful, it appeared nonviable to cultivate blue roses and he expressed his regret at having to break his promise. 

The prince walked over, taking his dejected face into his palm. “I see…well, thank you for trying so hard. Trying for me.” He looked into the gardener's brown eyes, ones that had never looked at him with anything other than awe and appreciation. Then he stood on his tip-toes and pressed a small kiss onto the other’s lips.

The man stepped back, confused and flustered. He wondered why Tooru had kissed him, someone so plain and unremarkable. Someone who couldn’t even tell the beautiful prince just how highly he regarded him. How much he looked up to him. How the prince’s single wish for roses had allowed him to pursue his passions and escape being berated for his handicap in his father’s woodshop. 

“Could you do me one last favor?” Tooru asked him with the utmost sincerity.  

Of course, the gardener nodded. He would never dream of rejecting a request from this omega.

“Would you lie with me, just this once?” 

The man opened his mouth, and if he could talk he would have said something. He would have tried to convince the prince that he shouldn’t touch someone as lowly as him. He was too undeserving of being with an angel like Tooru. 

The prince began to pull the ties at the front of his dress, undressing himself right then and there in the garden shed. He left on his underclothes, before starting at the buttons of the gardener’s linen shirt. When it came off, they lay on the floor of the shed. 

He hesitantly let his hand beneath the omega’s slip, touching to see if he had been ready. There wasn’t an ounce of moisture between his thighs. Still, he smelled of roses, like the ones the gardener had become wonderfully acquainted with over the weeks. When he pushed his finger inside, it reminded him of the times he pried into a rosebud, eager to see if it would blossom quicker under his touch.

What they had started was over within a few minutes as the man carefully stuttered into the prince until he felt he couldn’t take it anymore. He finished quickly, placing a quick peck on Tooru’s forehead. Even after everything they did, it still felt wrong to think about kissing his lovely lips. 

“Thank you,” the omega whispered with teary eyes. The whole thing had been quite painful. 

They never did see each other again. 

_ 

“I found out that his mother passed away. Inevitably I was sent away to school and he stopped coming to the palace altogether,” Tooru finished. “I never loved him, but I sure did miss him.” 

“You were smart to lose your virginity to a mute.” Hajime shook his head, “Lord knows any old commoner would brag of the story for decades.”  

The omega giggled, reminiscing about his old companion. “Even if he could speak…He respected me far too much.” 

“You didn’t love him,” the southerner reiterated, but it could have been mistaken for a question. 

“It’s the truth.” Tooru put the rose back into his hair. “He got very close though. I always told myself that I’d fall in love with the man who could give me blue roses.” 

Then he yawned and lifted himself from the couch. “I hope you enjoyed the bedtime story,” he smiled, “It was the first time I told such a tale. I’d get some sleep if I were you.” Then the westerner disappeared down the corridor with a goodnight. 

Though it would only be a few more hours till the birds began to sing and the sun jumped up over the horizon, Hajime dreamed like he usually did. However this time, there were no mirrors or leather collars. Instead, Hajime dreamed of all things blue. The blue of the Southern sea he missed back home. The blue summer sky that hung over the west like a curtain.  The blue of Tobio-san’s eyes, almost identical to Keiji’s. Then he dreamed of a field which, as far as the eye could see, was full of the most brilliant blue roses. 

Chapter Text

Within the next week itself, Tooru announced that he would be setting out to find new advisors to fill the open seats. This meant traveling the entirety of the kingdom in search of seven individuals who could best represent the Western subjects—their issues, their wants, and their needs. 

He intended to travel alone, accompanied only by Hajime for safety. It was simple. They would start at the capital before working their way down to the cities, the countryside, and finally the scattered villages at the borders. Since the visit to the capital would last only a week, they packed lightly, with Hajime’s belongings dictated by the omega. While he intended to pack his own comfortable clothes, the other examined his luggage with an amused laugh. “This isn’t the southern kingdom anymore, Hajime. You’ll give those noble omegas a heart attack showing so much skin,” Tooru had teased. 

Maybe back south he wouldn't have to put on so many clothes in such sweltering heat. The west had reached the peak of the summer, and while the lack of humidity made it slightly more bearable, Hajime would have preferred to ditch his full-sleeved shirt altogether. It seemed he could adjust to just about everything except for Western fashion. 

There was one other person who seemed to be adjusting to the capital fashion in his own way. It was common for noble ladies and omegas to wear extravagant and lovely gowns for daily occasions. Even a walk in the park required one's finest silk with shimmering jewelry dangling from the ear and strung around the neck. Well, if one could afford it, why not splurge? Tooru, the trendsetter who normally donned the most exquisite fabrics and styles, had not brought any such dresses in his trunk. 

The omega wore only boots, trousers, and linen shirts for the duration of their travels. He tied his brown hair back into his signature braid and walking by Hajime’s side, one could have mistaken him for another alpha. Tooru may not have been born as one, but everything about his aura exuded alpha. The southern prince had noticed it many times from the certainty behind his words, his walk and posture, and even the way he towered over the other omegas. 

Everyone in the capital was familiar with the prince—every corner turned exposed the pair to crowd after crowd of subjects who wished to pay their respects. The alphas lifted their hats in greeting, blushing as they did so because even in the plainer clothes he wore, Tooru was still the most beautiful presence as far as the eye could see. 

The omegas were a different story, squealing if the prince so much as looked in their direction. They looked as if they would die if the westerner didn’t acknowledge them and so Tooru did just that, smiling and even nodding his head. Hajime rolled his eyes as he wondered what kind of man Tooru would be if he was indeed an alpha. With the gentle way he handled his admirers, Hajime supposed they wouldn’t be much alike. Maybe a blend of Daichi and Tetsu would suffice, charming with the slight tease of flirtation. 

Hajime wondered about the reasons for Tooru’s switch-up in clothes. Was it simply easier to pack if there weren’t any extravagant gowns taking up space? Maybe he was attempting to appear more like an alpha, although that didn’t seem too plausible the more he thought about it. Then, there was the idea that perhaps Tooru didn’t want anyone mistaking them as a mated pair. Walking side by side as they were, anyone who didn’t know the situation could have easily assumed Hajime was the betrothed of their beloved prince. Of course, the Southerner was understanding and didn’t bring it up for the rest of the trip.

They were staying at a reputable inn known for only taking in the most elite of visitors. Furthermore, this “inn” seemed to be one in name only, what with its grand marble columns and archways. Hajime noticed that almost every structure in the capital was grander than it needed to be. The library extended several stories into the sky and the houses of worship were adorned with intricately carved statues depicting extensive scenes. Green vines crept up old stone buildings and the streets were filled with people—some window shopping the boutiques and bookstores, others, demonstrating their latest inventions in wooden shacks along the pathways. 

“Most of the kingdom's revenue is generated here,” Tooru explained, noticing his companion’s awe at the surroundings. “The majority of what you see has only been around for less than a century.”

The sightseeing would have to wait for another time because, at the moment, the pair was actually headed somewhere specific. They were going to a school but it wasn’t just any school. It was the boarding school attended by both Tooru, Keiji, and now Hajime's own brother Shoyo. 

With guards stationed outside the already daunting iron gates, security was tight, and for good reason. This was an elite boarding school for royals and noble omegas, even female alphas and betas were permitted to attend, all unmated. There would have been nothing worse than rogue alphas finding their way inside. 

The Southerner received enough stares when he stepped foot inside, mostly from the younger omegas gawking at him. Some of them even let their smells out slightly when he walked by, something that made Hajime roll his eyes and Tooru giggle. No matter how many times he found himself in a similar situation, the third prince could never get used to it.

“Have they never seen an alpha before?” he mumbled to the westerner and watched as a crowd of students gathered to watch him. 

“I wish you would give yourself more credit, Hajime,” Tooru teased him, “Of course, they’ve seen alphas before, but I presume none as fine as yourself.” 

He held back a dismissive laugh at the omega’s words, instead letting a slight smile show instead. “Why are we here again?” Tooru had never told him in the first place. 

“There’s someone I’d like to talk to. A classmate of mine from my school days. I told her that should I ever need her services, I would return to find her.” 

Walking down the corridors of the old building, the voices of teachers and lecturers began to fill the space as it seemed that classes were in session. Suddenly Tooru stopped just outside one of the rooms, listening for a moment at the distinct female voice that resounded through the room. The prince pushed the wooden doors open and they creaked loudly, causing the entire hall to turn to face the door. 

The lecturer continued writing on the chalkboard and without turning her head, addressed the intrusion.“Can I help you with something?” 

“I hope you haven’t forgotten, Shimizu-sensei ,” Tooru said, making an effort to exaggerate the last part. 

The woman stopped writing abruptly, turning back with a slight smile. “Sorry for the interruption, but class will be dismissed early today.” 

There was a slight murmur amongst the students in the room before they all eventually shuffled from their seats and moved enthusiastically toward the door. After the hall had cleared out, both princes made their way inside.

“I was starting to think you’d never come,” the woman addressed Tooru, smiling as she did so.

The omega laughed. “I wouldn’t break such an important promise, Kiyoko.” 

She was an attractive woman, Hajime thought, with sleek black hair tied back into a bun. Her squared lenses and the beauty mark near her mouth set her apart from the other beautiful women of the kingdom. While her frame was slender and she was a bit shorter than Tooru, her scent and aura made it clear that she was an alpha. 

Kiyoko Shimizu, originally from the Eastern kingdom, came from a noble lineage. While possessing exquisite beauty, Tooru had praised her for her intellect. While the two attended school together, the woman had been constantly bombarded with letters of marriage proposals and betrothal arrangements over the years. Of course, she had turned each and everyone down, preferring to excel in her studies because what she was truly passionate about was politics. 

Eventually, her father grew restless with her constant postponing of a wedding and fixed her marriage to a rich southern lord. Terashima-san from the Johzenji province was an attractive gentleman: rich, enthusiastic…well there wasn’t much more Kiyoko could have said. His playboy reputation followed him practically everywhere and the pierced tongue that he showed off proudly didn’t do anything to rebuke it. 

He came to the academy one day to see her, and she had embarrassed him thoroughly claiming she didn’t even know why he was there. It was true, at that time she hadn’t been aware. Needless to say, the young lord stormed off, not without bedding the first omega to throw themselves at him.

“I was quite surprised to find that you were a lecturer at the school. Not that I don’t applaud your profession, it’s just I sort of expected…larger feats in your future,” Tooru exclaimed in the politest way possible.

Kiyoko sighed, pursing her lips. “I recall we used to poke fun at our own teachers those years ago. But I’ll have to admit that I am truly grateful to the academy for providing me a place to stay while I start saving up money.” 

Tooru was taken aback. “Money? What noblewoman should be concerned about money?"  

She took a seat on one of the desks near the front of the room. “Shortly after we graduated, my father disowned me.” 

Hajime didn’t even know the woman, yet he too was startled by her words. 

“Disowned!?” the omega’s eyes widened. “For what reason?” 

Kiyoko pushed her glasses up over her nose. “Well, you know that I’m my father’s only daughter. While it’s true that I was born an alpha, I wasn’t eligible to inherit the estate because I’m still a woman.”  

It was common knowledge that female alphas didn’t receive the same respect and privileges as their male counterparts, something that Tooru intended to fix within his own kingdom as well. 

She continued on. “My mother passed away trying to have me, so my old man was relying on me to produce the heir quickly. But with all the proposals I turned down, I guess he realized that there was no chance I would ever comply with his wishes. Terashima-san was the last straw before he realized I’d be of no use to him.” 

“Still, disowning one's own daughter is far too cruel. You should have sent me a letter, or at least informed me of this earlier. If I had known you were suffering so-” 

“Do not pity me, Tooru. I’m happier now than I ever was, with all the freedom in the world. Besides, once I caught word of your marriage to Wakatoshi-sama, I didn’t think I’d ever be able to see you again. Say, why is it that you’re still here?” 

…

Her mouth hung open when the prince explained his situation. “Oh my,” she laughed, bringing her hand up over her lips gracefully. “You always were quite clever.” Then she turned her attention to Hajime. “Forgive me for not addressing you sooner, Your Highness. I may be wrong but, are you and Tooru-” 

The southerner didn’t wish for her to finish her thought. “His bodyguard,” he corrected, “I’m serving as his bodyguard.” 

At his abrupt interruption, Tooru began to laugh. “My my Hajime, you didn’t waste a second.” He smiled at the alpha and the other hated the way his heart skipped a beat. “That’s right, Hajime’s pledged to protect me until the day of my coronation.

Which, unfortunately, cannot happen until I fill my council with new advisors. If it’s not too much to ask, I’d like to invite you to the position—You did promise me all those years ago that you would accept when the time came.”

Kiyoko’s painted lips curled up. “Promises or not, my answer still hasn’t changed. It would be an honor to serve you, your majesty.” 

The omega groaned while pulling her into a hug. “Just Tooru is perfectly fine.” 

Hajime decided to step outside the room, giving the two old friends some time to rekindle what the years had lost. As he descended the rows of desks and left out the door, the alpha was met with the sight of his younger brother, orange curls contrasting with the dark navy of his collared uniform. It made the alpha wonder how Tooru looked when he wore those clothes back during his school days.   

“Shoyo?” He raised his eyebrows. 

“Everyone was squealing about a southern prince on the arm of Tooru-san and I wanted to see which one of you idiots it was,” the young omega sounded annoyed, “I can’t believe father asked you to spy on me.” 

“Spy on you?” Hajime chuckled, “No, I’m here for work. I’ll be acting as Tooru’s bodyguard for the time being.” 

“Is that so?” Shoyo exclaimed before raising his eyebrows suggestively, “I never would have expected you two would get so close.” 

He pulled the omega into a playful chokehold. “You can talk to me like when you reach my height.” 

Before the struggling boy could retort, they were surrounded by a group of omegas with a certain dangerous aura. 

“Sho-chan!” they screeched, “When were you going to tell us that your brother would be visiting?” 

The disgusted look on his younger brother's face was enough for Hajime to understand not to entertain the flock. 

“It seems all the southern princes are worth gazing at,” the pack leader drawled as he looked the alpha up and down.

“With the exception of a certain classmate of ours…” One of the ones on the sides whispered, but still loud enough for the crowd to giggle to themselves. 

Hajime rolled his eyes, letting his brother out of his grasp and sticking close. 

“I do prefer the eldest one. Daichi-sama is the king, after all, not to mention he shares Western blood,” a brunette spoke up. 

“You’ve got it wrong, haven’t you seen Koutarou-sama training in the mornings? That man is a work of art!” 

Another sighed. “It’s futile discussing the eldest princes—mind you they’ve already wed. Tetsurou-sama’s the one with the perfect face. Perfect everything in fact.” 

Both Hajime and Shoyo made eye contact with the hilarious words that praised their brothers. 

The group leader in the middle suddenly came closer. “ I believe that the man in front of us deserves the most praise. Besides,” The sickeningly sweet stench of caramel pheromones peaked in the air, “I don’t see a mating bond anywhere.” As the young omega reached out to touch him, Hajime felt a familiar pull on his right shoulder. 

“This won't do,” Tooru’s silky voice came from next to him. “I leave you alone for only a second and you’re already surrounding yourself with other omegas?” he teased.

Just then, the group of schoolboys looked startled as they lowered their heads out of respect. “Your majesty,” they bowed, fanning out their skirts. 

The older omega let his cleaner pheromones fill the air. “I do hate to be the bearer of bad news, but,” he suddenly nuzzled the gland at Hajime’s neck, scenting him in front of everyone. “Commander-chan is already accounted for.” 

The group scurried off, giggling to themselves and laughing at their leader who was now extremely red in the face at being so embarrassed. Now it was Hajime’s turn to hide his own flusteredness at the fact that Tooru had so intimately claimed him as his own like it was nothing. Shoyo proved to be the best distraction, looking up at the older omega like he was brighter than the sun and showering him with praise instead. 

_ 

They left the school around late afternoon, ready to head back to the palace before nightfall. Hajime, however, requested to return later since he had some immediate supplies he needed to get. Although the omega had protested that a servant could fetch it later, the alpha insisted that he would prefer to get them himself.

He called a trusted sub-commander to accompany the prince back to the palace before sending the carriage away. Hajime sighed when the carriage was fully out of view. He didn’t enjoy lying, matter of fact, he was actually terrible at it. It had been a miracle that someone as perceptive as Tooru hadn’t caught on. 

The alpha pulled a slip of paper out from his pocket, following the directions written on it until he stumbled upon a white marble building that resembled a palace. As he pushed the doors open, all eyes were on him. 

See, a certain uneasiness had been plaguing Hajime since the first day of their travels, maybe even before. The timing couldn’t have been worse. The alpha was four days into his rut. 

It seemed that his sanity had been hanging by a thread and every little factor wanted to bring him closer to the edge. First, there was the fact that Hajime predicted this might happen, but didn’t speak up since Tooru was quite thorough with his plans. The alpha would have hated to be the reason for offsetting them. 

Furthermore, staying close to an omega like the Western prince while in rut was not an easy task. To avoid all hell breaking loose, Hajime popped his strongest suppressants like candy. They wouldn’t stop his rut, just prolong the inevitable aggressive episode that awaited him when the medicine wore off. 

The final straw remained the trip they took to the academy, full of young omegas, freely letting out their scents. Hajime tried his hardest to calm himself down, just barely making it. Younger omegas always did have more potent pheromones, often unable to fully control their scents just yet. Alas, the southerner had run out of his suppressants and preferred to spend the night elsewhere to avoid pouncing on a certain western omega unknowingly. 

He recalled a conversation between some of his men down at the training base. 

-

“Where’s Kindaichi?” Hajime had inquired, noticing that the sub-commander had skipped out on his morning regiment. 

“Sir, he’s at the peak of his rut. I assume he will return in a day or two,” Kunimi had responded nonchalantly. 

“I see.” The southerner had wondered how he would manage when his time would come. He had half a mind to ask his men how they took care of themselves. But Hajime wasn’t aware if they were mated or if it was even socially acceptable in the West to visit a brothel or pleasure house if necessary. “Say, has he gone somewhere ?” 

They all stopped training to look at their leader. It had been the first time their new commander had actually inquired about their lives outside the army.

“Kindaichi and I both visit the same establishment on the border of the capital. It’s hardly fancy, but it’s clean and the omegas look just about as much as they're worth. It’s all we can afford without noble titles though,” the man continued. “I don’t suppose Mattsun would be able to recommend a place. He’s been screwing his little boyfriend since birth.” 

“Don’t talk about him that way,” the other alpha rolled his eyes, “You know I’d marry Makki in a heartbeat if our fathers could put their differences aside.” 

Kunimi looked to the side. “Mad Dog over there could fuck anything that walked. But I know he secretly longs to be tamed by a classy older mistress.” 

“Shut the fuck up,” the younger man shouted from the corner, and the other chuckled. 

Mattsun spoke up. “I recall your brother used to visit a place when he was here. They only take the most elite of clients, not even most nobles could dream of visiting. It’s hard to miss.” He scribbled some instructions on spare parchment before handing it to the commander. 

-

With his tan skin and jet-black hair, Hajime couldn’t have been mistaken for anyone else. Taking in the grand surroundings, there were intricate paintings of goddesses hung up around the walls in addition to strung-up plants and pretty flowers placed at the corners. But the interior wasn’t even the most eye-catching feature of the place. Beautiful omegas were lounging on the couches and leaning against the alabaster statues of the grand staircase. They were perched on the railing like feathered birds, some engaged in games with other patrons, others dressed in revealing outfits leading visitors to their rooms. 

“Oh my, it’s not every day we receive such a prestigious guest,” the matron purred upon seeing the alpha. “Such a shame you didn’t make a reservation. All my available darlings are unfortunately booked for the night.” 

It would be nightfall soon and Hajime didn’t think he could wander about looking for another establishment in the unfamiliar Western Capital. But if they were booked, there really wasn’t anything he could do but return to the palace and take care of himself. 

“Let me take him,” a sultry voice rang out revealing an omega with blonde hair. “I’ve already had the other brother, perhaps I can compare the two.” He sent a wink toward Hajime. 

The matron laughed, shaking her head. “I couldn’t possibly allow that. We must keep the princes together. Go on, tell His Majesty that there’s a client waiting for him.” 

“His Majesty?” the alpha questioned, wondering just how elite a prostitute had to be to deserve a name as such. 

“Oh yes, the highest-ranked courtesan here. Ever since my darling was a young boy he’s borne a striking resemblance to Prince Tooru. They’re practically identical!” 

Now Hajime really was intrigued. Was there truly such an omega that could rival the prince? 

The blonde beckoned him up the stairs. “I should warn you that he’s quite fussy today. You’ve disturbed His Majesty’s day off.” He kissed the alpha’s cheek before giggling away. 

When Hajime opened the door, he observed the omega brushing his hair on the vanity. They made eye contact and he could see why they referred to him as His Majesty. He was strikingly beautiful, with flowing brown hair and a figure graceful like Tooru. 

Then the omega spoke. “It’s been so long since a prince came to visit me. Today was supposed to be my day without clients, but for southern royalty, I’d love to make an exception.” 

He walked over to Hajime, untying the robe that he wore and revealing an expensive night dress. “You smell very strong,” the omega said, rubbing his cheek against the prince’s scent gland and letting some of his own scent out. “Alphas in rut are usually sent to the cheaper omegas downstairs.” 

“I apologize for the inconvenience,” he answered.

“There’s no need to apologize to me. Even on my dying breath, I’d make room for such a handsome man like yourself.” 

When Hajime got to looking at His Majesty close up, he began to see just how little this copycat omega actually resembled Tooru. There had been some sort of copper powder pressed into his originally mundane brown hair in order to mimic the golden shine that the real prince possessed. Furthermore, the doppelganger's exaggerated blush and makeup were far too extreme to match the westerner's natural flush. The alpha could have pointed out several other flaws like the single crooked tooth or the slight offset of his left eye. 

But besides those factors pertaining to his looks, there were some things no amount of makeup would cover up. The first being his manners and the way he spoke. When Tooru spoke, it was graceful and firm, not sleazy and overly desperate like the omega in front of him. The most striking difference would have to be their scents. Lavender was never a musk Hajime quite enjoyed, deeming it only acceptable or overbearing. Unfortunately for His Majesty, it was the latter and it sickened the Southerner. The pheromones that he would never tire of had to be Tooru’s rosy ones, light, clean, and pleasant. 

The alpha filled with a strange guilt having been where he was, about to bed an omega that minutely resembled the esteemed western prince. He felt that the symptoms of his rut had almost vanished, and all he wanted to do was return back to the true omega he swore to protect. 

“I’m sorry, but I cannot accept your services tonight,” he stepped back, removing a full bag of golden coins from his pocket and handing it to the omega. “For your troubles and wasting a perfectly good use of your time.” 

“Why the change of heart?” the other protested with true disappointment. 

The image of the other prince waiting for his return crossed Hajime’s mind. “I have a duty to someone else,” he said firmly, not really caring how ambiguous it sounded. 

As he turned towards the door, the omega rushed forward, grabbing his hand tightly. “Please,” he begged, “I don’t even want your money, I just wish to be the one you spend your rut with!” He pressed his lips to Hajime’s neck, nipping it slightly. 

Pushing him away, the southerner wrinkled his nose at the pathetic display. He had no right to compare himself to the prince—Tooru would never so desperately throw himself at an alpha. Hajime rushed back down the stairs, confused stares following him as he quickly made his way to the door. 

“F-finished already your Highness?” the matron called after him, but the alpha already had one foot outside. 

It was silent when he returned to the palace, with dinner already cleared out and most of the staff long gone. Hajime meant to creep back into his room without making a sound to avoid bumping into the Westerner. He made an effort to take the staircase at the south wing of the palace, one that was hardly used by anyone but the launderer. 

Unfortunately for the alpha, Tooru was sitting at the bottom of the said staircase with a book in his hand. He hadn’t yet changed out of his trousers, looking up through his glasses at Hajime who stopped in his tracks. 

“What was it that you so urgently needed to buy?” the omega asked with a hint of interrogation in his tone. 

Hajime cleared his throat. “Leather,” he said, the first thought that popped into his head. He wished he could slap himself as soon as the word left his lips because what could he possibly need leather for at such an odd hour? 

“Leather?” Tooru cocked his head, obviously skeptical. 

“Yes, my saddle is worn out.” 

Tooru put his book down, walking toward the alpha slowly. “I didn’t take you for a liar, commander. Is it truly so personal that you had to hide things from me?” 

Trying his hardest not to let his resolve slip, the Southerner played along. “I’m not hiding anything.” 

The omega’s smile was haunting at that moment. “But you’ve returned empty-handed, and you even made a point to use this staircase out of all the others.” 

The third prince felt a sinking feeling, realizing that Tooru may have already sensed the truth.  

“Honestly, I didn’t wish to see you here tonight, Hajime. I told myself that if you truly were hiding something from me, you wouldn’t wish to use the main staircase. If you could only imagine how I feel, knowing that the man who is to be protecting me is instead conniving behind my back.” He sounded hurt. 

Suddenly Tooru’s eyes went wide, zeroing in on the fold of Hajime’s collar. He came close, pulling it to the side and revealing a reddish mark, the unfortunate evidence of his presence at the brothel. 

“You’ve been with that omega…” the westerner looked at him with a chilling cold gaze. 

“I can explain-” 

“There’s nothing to explain,” he said firmly, “You’re practically dripping with those disgusting pheromones. Not to mention my impersonator has staked his claim right on your neck for the world to see.” 

“I’ve been suppressing my rut for the last 5 days!” Hajime clenched his jaw, not wanting the other to keep accusing him of such pointless thoughts. “I couldn’t take it anymore so I went to seek release. Obviously, you wouldn’t understand so I meant to keep it a secret!”

Tooru’s lips fell open. “Oh..” 

The alpha felt out of breath, the aggression that always accompanied his rut slowly seeping out. “And if you must know, I left before it could begin. I just couldn’t bring myself to seek comfort in him.” 

“Why ever not?” The omega sounded more gentle this time. 

Hajime flinched, unable to admit to the truth once more. He wouldn’t admit that the whole time, his mind filled with thoughts of the man in front of him. He just couldn’t tell the prince of the guilt he felt at that moment. He shouldn’t confess that in his mind, Tooru seemed more appealing than any other omegas he had ever laid eyes upon. “He…wasn’t suited to my tastes,” he lied straight through his teeth. 

The Westerner just stared blankly at his words. 

“Well then, if you will excuse me, I must take care of myself.” 

“Wait!” Tooru called after him. “W-will it affect your ability to carry out your duties if you spend your rut without a partner?”

They locked eyes. “Tooru…” 

“I didn’t wish to shame you for your urges,” the omega sighed, “And if you do require comfort…Might I offer my own services?” 

_ 

It was the last place Hajime expected to find himself on the sixth day of his rut. Tooru’s room was slightly more lavish than his own, with a grand balcony that overlooked the rose gardens and carried in the sweet scent from below. Hajime wondered when he had grown so accustomed to the smell. 

His head began to spin shortly after the bath he took, scrubbing the day’s dirt, sweat, and unwanted pheromones from his skin. The suppressants the alpha had abused left his system and all that was left was the feverish heat that accompanied his heavy breaths. 

Tooru joined him on the bed where he lay, fresh from his own bath and clad in a thin satin robe. In his hand was a bottle filled with some sort of lightly pigmented oil. 

“What is that?” 

The omega smiled slightly. “I’ve read in books that sometimes, rutting alphas can be tamed by a massage.” 

Hajime squinted, furrowing his brow. “You intend to subdue me by rubbing oil on my body?” 

“Shall we put it to the test?” Tooru smirked, taking his position behind the other.  

Skeptical as he was, the alpha sat up, pulling his shirt up and off his body. He turned back when a few moments passed and the other hadn’t yet touched him. Tooru was staring, eyes raking over his sculpted back before realizing he had been caught.

“How beautiful,” he exclaimed, tracing up the scratches and healed scars painting the alpha’s back. 

Hajime laughed, “Beautiful is hardly the word to describe such a mess.” 

The Westerner rubbed the oil into his palms before beginning to knead the other’s trapezius. “I wouldn’t call it a mess. Your back is like a canvas and these scars are brushstrokes,” he moved his touch down Hajime’s shoulders, “They tell your story, what you fought for, all your hard work…” 

The alpha groaned slightly at Tooru’s gentle touch and his smooth voice that could have put him to sleep. “Koutarou’s is more impressive.” He certainly was relaxed, but still longing for something more. “Why are you doing this for me?” 

“Hmm, maybe I’m apologizing,” he purred into the alpha’s ear, working his hands along the muscles of Hajime’s arm. “You’ve been very good to me, prolonging your rut just so it wouldn’t interfere with my plans. And here I went, reprimanding you for being so considerate.” 

Suddenly, the omega pressed his lips to the shell of the other prince’s ear, nibbling the lobe with his pointed canines. He traced a few experimental kisses down the neck and sucked the alpha’s scent gland lightly when he got to it. Hajime let out a few shaky breaths as he felt the sensation stir something in his groin. Tender fingertips stroked up and down his back before climbing over the front of his torso. First, Tooru felt over his clavicles, then to the firm skin of his pectorals, leaving a trail of soothing oil wherever his hands traveled. With two fingers, he rubbed over the alpha’s dark nipples. 

Hajime shivered. “Stop that,” he groaned, brushing the omega’s hands off of him.

“You’re feeling it though,” Tooru teased, gesturing to the now large tent in his pants. “How unfortunate that my massage had the opposite effect. You seem to be more riled up than before.” 

Then the westerner shifted his position so that he could kneel between the other’s spread legs. He traced a finger along the lines of Hajime’s chiseled abs before running his knuckles along the coarse dark hair under his navel. Then he pulled down on the waistband of the alpha’s loose pants, revealing his large and swollen sex. 

“Well, you certainly are well endowed,” the omega whispered as he let more oil into his palm before caressing the side of Hajime’s shaft. 

Hajime groaned, wiping the sweat that began to bead at his temple before leaning back on his elbows. He huffed, letting his head tip backward when gentle fingers wrapped around the base of his cock and made their way up and down. The pressure the other prince was allowing him was just enough, a slower pace than what he would have given himself but still pleasurable nonetheless. Suddenly, a particularly prolonged squeeze elicited a low whine from his lips and he clenched the sheets, spilling into the palm of his partner. 

He certainly was surprised at how composed Tooru looked despite his palm being covered in the alpha’s arousal. It made him wonder if the other had experienced it all before, not that he really cared. Alas, Hajime’s erection remained sturdy as ever and his experience with his rut told him that just once was never going to be enough. It didn’t seem like the westerner was ready to back down either as he wiped his palm with a clean towel before lowering his face by the tip. 

“You don’t need to…do that,” Hajime said between breaths, his words disobeying what he truly wanted. He sat up slightly, reaching out to tuck a fallen strand of brown hair behind Tooru’s ear.

Deep brown eyes flicked up at him. “Don’t think too much, Hajime. Just use me for a change,” he said, grabbing the alpha’s hand and placing it back onto his head, strong fingers weaving into the soft strands at his crown.

First, Tooru kissed the tip before grazing the side of his cock with plush lips making the alpha hiss. Then, when he finished mapping out the entirety of Hajime’s sex with his tongue, the omega attempted to take the whole length into his mouth. The alpha tightened his grasp slightly as the heat began to engulf his sensitive rod, calling out the prince’s name with a huskier tone. 

The way Tooru sucked cock was elegant and reserved, a true royal. He did it like any task he took up, with precision, vigor, and with certainty that his efforts would pay off. However, with the slow pace he was taking and the fact that he hadn’t been able to fit the entirety of the alpha into his throat, Hajime didn’t think he would finish soon enough.  

With a steady hand, he guided Tooru’s jaw up off his cock, using his thumb to swipe the excess seed off the omega’s lips before gazing into his eyes. It lasted only a moment though, the Westerner blushing and turning away before sitting up on his knees so that he could straddle the alpha’s hips. Hajime watched intently as Tooru reached for the tie of his robe, beginning to pull it before noticing the intense gray eyes that took him in with such fervor. 

But instead of continuing to undress himself, the omega turned in his place so that his back was facing the other. “That omega at the brothel…if he didn’t suit your preferences, I suppose I wouldn't either.” 

Hajime should have corrected him, but even he didn’t wish to lose the little composure he had left. Tooru resumed his motions, pulling his braid onto his shoulder and slipping the silk off his body. He leaned forward slightly, dipping his hand between his thighs and then into his hole, presumably so that he could prepare himself for what was to come. The salacious display was a feast to the alpha's eyes.

What a sight he was to behold. Fully clothed, those around the prince had a hard time keeping their gaze off him. But now, completely naked and positioned in such a manner, Hajime wondered if he had died and reached heaven. Tooru’s long neck cascaded into his elegant back and his shoulders were rosy like the rest of him. His body sloped in at the waist and fanned out beautifully at the hips. Of course, the alpha had seen it all before at the last royal wedding, his eyes locked on the omega as he swayed and danced freely. He reached his hand out, rubbing it against the omega’s gentle curves and taking in the way the Westerner flinched when he did so. 

“That surprised me,” he giggled, before shifting back and letting the tip of Hajime’s sex breach his own.  

Tooru’s arms shook as he lowered himself down, his head falling backward as a breathy whine left his mouth with each inch he took. Hajime also quivered with the new sensations enveloping his swollen cock. After getting used to the alpha filling him completely to the brim, the westerner began to rock his ass back and forth, pretty moans filling the air. The alpha put both hands on either side of his partner’s hips, gripping slightly before letting his touch wander up the contours of the omega’s soft stomach and to his breasts which he kneaded playfully. 

Tooru moaned as he folded his own hands on top of Hajime’s curious ones, keeping them pressed up against his skin. Suddenly, the alpha felt a fear pool in his abdomen. There was something he had been dreading, the point where his rut would truly take over, clouding his senses and unleashing a side of him that Tooru had never seen before. Though he had been fighting his instincts, Hajime's control had slipped, and he had no choice but to succumb to his rut. The tender touches and slower pace were thrown away as the alpha bucked his hips harshly forward, so fierce that the omega had stumbled onto his stomach from the impact. 

“Hajime-” he began to say, turning his head slightly and feeling a chill up his spine at the piercing silver eyes that now read a different expression. It reminded him of the powerful wolves stalking in the snow during his last visit to the Northern kingdom. The man who was grasping his body so tightly was a true alpha. 

Without allowing the omega a moment to adjust, Hajime began to thrust at a sickeningly quick pace. He panted heavily, vision going out of focus as he let the pleasure take over. He could hear Tooru, struggling to match his pace with choked-out shouts and gasps, his hips stuttering and his back arching deep as he was fucked so thoroughly. The southerner watched his beautiful spine, tracing it with his eyes down to the two prominent dimples at the base of the omega’s back. Then, he observed the plush ass pressed up against his groin and slapping the front of his thighs. Something in him snapped as he pulled his hand back before bringing it down hard onto the omega’s left ass cheek, the red blossoming like a flower on his pale skin. 

Tooru shouted at the action, lowering his face to the sheets in an attempt to silence the dirty noises he was unintentionally letting out. But Hajime soon realized that he quite relished the cut-off gasps of his name and the Ahs and Ohs that got louder with each ministration. He just needed to hear them again. 

In the midst of his aroused daze, the alpha saw the long braid coiled on the bed, the one that Tooru frequently wore with roses pinned at the top. It was his favorite style and the current petal color of choice was a pleasant orange. He grabbed the bottom of the plait, surprising the Westerner as he wrapped the braid clean around his palm, pulling the omega’s head back up. Now forced to remain on all fours, Tooru’s cries could entertain the alpha properly and he continued to mindlessly ram his cock in and out until he hit his climax over and over. 

Chapter Text

When Hajime opened his eyes, the sun had just finished setting on the horizon, and hues of deep pinks and pleasant blues could be seen at the balcony from where he lay. He felt heavy and light all at the same time. Heavy, because the prince truly had no idea how long he had slept for, and light because it was as if someone had lifted all the ailments plaguing his body. 

The pillows by his head were very comfortable, and if the alpha hadn’t recalled where exactly he was, he might have turned over to begin resting again. Alas, the stale smell of roses and juniper still permeating the air gave away the past state of the room. Hajime turned over, taking in the tousled sheets next to where he lay. He reached his palm out to find that they were ice cold. 

The alpha felt guilty at the sight of vermilion colored petals, ripped and strewn across the bed. There were even some specks of blood that painted the sheet, Hajime’s heart sank and he felt he must have pushed his partner too hard. He should have turned down the offer, should have warned Tooru at least about how truly despicable he could get during his ruts. But what’s done was done and the most he could do now was apologize to the omega he had tortured. 

“You’re awake,” the westerner’s voice rang out from the balcony, hoarser than usual. He emerged draped in the robe he had worn prior with bruises on his neck and shoulders. His hair was ruffled at the crown, far from the usual neat style he kept. 

Ashamed, Hajime began to speak. “Tooru, truly, I am so s-” 

“Are you well?” 

“What?” 

“Has your rut subsided?” The omega spoke gently but still firm, “Is your body fine?”

The southerner felt that the question should have been directed toward the other. “I am alright, but only at the expense of your well-being. I’m terribly sor-” 

“Who are you to pass any judgment on my well-being, Hajime?” Tooru said, darkening his gaze. “You forget that it was I who offered my body to you on my own account. Must you throw such baseless apologies my way?” 

“My words are hardly baseless,” the alpha challenged, “I’m not blind to the way you’re limping. All those bruises and marks—You shouldn’t have let me use you like a ragdoll. No, I should have warned you not to get involved.”

Without even acknowledging the other’s words, the omega glided over to his dresser, opening one of the drawers, and pulling out a colored liquid. He poured some out into the cap of the vial it was in before downing it. 

“What is that?” 

The omega began writing notes on a spare sheet of parchment. “Contraception.” 

Hajime had never even heard of it. “Alcohol?” 

Tooru laughed a bit. “No, it’s more like medicine. I’ve been developing it with the palace apothecaries for quite some time now.”

The alpha was intrigued. “And why do you take this medicine?” 

“So that I do not become with a child after spending your rut with you.” 

The thought had certainly crossed the alpha’s mind when Tooru had offered himself at the start. What would they do if he had wound up pregnant from the action? Hajime should have expected that the omega had a plan.

“It’s proven to be quite effective in preventing conception, though this would be the first time I’m testing it during a rut. It’s even the first time I’ve used it myself.” 

Hajime looked at him skeptically. “And what will you do if it proves to be ineffective?” 

 “Well, I suppose we would have to worry about that in nine months time.” 

Seeing the alpha’s bewildered expression, Tooru began to laugh. “How terrified you look, Hajime. I assure you this has been tested by hundreds already, and I’ve no doubts it will work as intended.” 

The alpha exhaled. Still, one thing remained unclear. Why would Tooru have a need for developing this contraception? Did he wish to be so promiscuous in the future that he required medicine to prevent an accidental pregnancy? No, that was simply too far-fetched to be the truth. He cleared his throat, “Have you commissioned this for yourself?” 

The omega’s gaze turned sharp. “Now that you are well, there’s someplace I must take you.” 

_ 

In the dead of night, the carriage rocked back and forth along the stone path of the capital streets. Without the usual bustle and crowds that filled the cobblestones, the city was almost unrecognizable. The full moon, high in the sky, illuminated the beautiful buildings with an elegant silver sheen and painted a peaceful picture all around. 

Hajime caught sight of the establishment he had visited a few days prior and suddenly, the surroundings morphed into smaller, dingier buildings with a few suspicious characters lurking around in the alleyways and shadows. There was the occasional giggle that made its way into the carriage as they whisked by, accompanied by sweet perfumed scents of various fruits and flowers. Hajime turned to Tooru from where he sat across from him. “Where are we?” 

“We have entered the pleasure district,” the omega said plainly, looking out the window. 

The carriage stopped moving abruptly and Tooru pulled the hood of his cloak up over his head. Hajime was the first to exit, stepping out to offer his hand to the omega since he was wearing a dress this time. The Westerner accepted it graciously and even wrapped it around the alpha’s forearm as they walked. “It’s a bit dangerous after curfew. We’ll have less trouble if any thugs believe that I am already accounted for.” 

There certainly were many eyes on the pair as they walked the warm streets of the district. With his free hand, Tooru held up a lantern that provided a dull guiding light directly in front of them. The alpha followed along, still confused about why they were roaming the streets of the pleasure district past midnight. “Is there a specific location we are searching for?” 

Amidst the sounds of faint moans and slammed doors, the cries of a baby could be heard clearly. As Tooru pulled the other along quickly, the wails became louder and louder and they even seemed to multiply. They entered a dark alleyway with the sour stench of sewage and rotting blood making Hajime bring his hand up over his nose in distaste. They descended further down to a large heap of trash in the corner and the southerner’s eyes widened at the horrifying sight of dozens of infants lying in the filth. 

Despair pooled in the pit of the alpha’s gut, the feeling akin to witnessing a battlefield in the aftermath of a great conflict. Some of the innocents were crying out for their mothers while others appeared to have perished already, silent amongst the discarded garbage. Hajime looked over at the omega who walked toward the pile, taking one of the screaming babies into his arms and rocking it back and forth til it cooed and fell asleep. Then he placed it back onto the floor with a sunken expression.  

They visited alley after alley, sadly finding similar sights with each corner turned. “As you can see,” Tooru explained, “This is quite the significant issue—Innocent blood spilled like it means nothing. Being a ruler means I must stick up for those who have no voice but the tears that haunt their faces.” 

As they walked back in silence, both puzzled at the fact that the carriage was not where they left it, replaced by the wheel tracks and horseshoe indents. 

Hajime clicked his tongue. “What sort of imbecile just drives away like that?” 

“Calm down, commander,” the omega exhaled, “The only thing we can do now is find a place to stay for the night.” 

Thankfully, there was one normal-looking inn with the porch lights still on indicating at least a vacant room or two. A bell jingled as Hajime pushed the door open, startling an older woman who was sleeping behind a desk at the front. She eyed them suspiciously as they walked in. 

“Welcome,” she yawned, “We don’t usually get too many visitors around this time.” She looked Hajime up and down. “Don’t get very many that look like you either. What can I do for you folks?” 

When the Westerner pulled his cloak further over his face, Hajime understood that he would have to do most of the talking. He noticed the dual sets of keys hanging on the wall. “My wife and I would like to reserve your two remaining rooms, please.” 

The innkeeper looked at Tooru who wrapped his hand tighter around the alpha’s arm. “You said he was your wife?” 

“Is there any issue with that, ma’am?” 

“ Well, it’s just…I would expect a husband and wife to share a bed. You better not be up to some shady business.” 

Just then an older man walked out from a room to the side. He joined the innkeeper, putting a hand on her shoulder. “Is there a problem here?

“My wife and I were married only recently. It was arranged, and so I felt he would be more comfortable to sleep in a separate bed.” Hajime tried to come up with his best lie. “It's been a long way from the Southern kingdom, please, we are very tired.” 

The old man put a hand on the woman’s shoulder. “Of course, we can accommodate such a thoughtful gentleman.” He grabbed the keys from the wall and handed them to Hajime. “If you could just sign your name, sir.” 

The alpha hoped he didn’t hesitate too much when coming up with an alias. He wrote with purposely unrefined penmanship to hide his royal lineage and signed the name Iwaizumi, the most common of Southern surnames. 

“Iwa-chan?” the omega giggled as they walked up the stairs of the inn and to their rooms, to which the other rolled his eyes. 

_ 

Hajime woke up to a loud thud. He lay in bed for a few moments, assuming that another tenant had simply moved a piece of furniture or slammed a door. But a clear bang against the wall and the muffled shouts of a familiar voice made the southerner’s heart sink in his chest. 

He leaped out from under the covers, quick as lightning, his pulse quickening rapidly. The alpha stormed out into the hall and threw open the slightly ajar door to Tooru’s room, immediately zeroing in on the pest that had made his way into the omega’s space. 

There was a masked man grabbing the prince harshly, one hand pinning the westerner’s arms behind his back and the other firm against his mouth as he yanked him toward the open window. Hajime nearly sprinted over, slamming his fist hard against the miscreant’s jaw and capturing him in a tight headlock only seconds later. 

“How dare you,” Hajime snarled, clenching his jaw as he watched Tooru fall to the floor, grabbing his twisted wrist and catching his breath. “Do you have any idea who you’ve put your filthy hands on?” 

He ripped the mask from the man’s exposed head, surprised to find the old man from before. “You!” As the alpha tightened his grip on his neck, the innkeeper’s eyes rolled back in his head and he choked and clawed at Hajime’s forearm. 

Suddenly, Tooru jumped forward, pulling at Hajime’s shirt. “Stop it, Hajime! Any more and you’ll kill him!” 

The Southerner huffed. “And isn’t it what he deserves? For laying his hands on you, he should be punished.” 

“I order you to let him go!” The omega said firmly, “My plans will only backfire if we kill this man…”

Reluctantly, and only because he was given the command, Hajime released his grip causing the criminal to stumble to the floor wheezing as he clutched his neck. He crawled forward like vermin on his hands and knees, and the commander brought his leg up to kick him in the side. “Does your wife know that you break into the rooms of your clients?” 

With pure fear in his eyes, the older man spasmed out the door and back down the stairs. Hajime rushed to look out the window where a group of men were rushing away with a large ladder in their hands. He let out a deep breath before shaking out his knuckles and approaching the omega. He took Tooru’s wrists into his palms, clicking his tongue at the red marks that began to form at the junction. 

“Are you alright?” He worried, attempting to steady his breathing. 

“I…am fine.” It was clear that he was shaken up by the events. 

“Let’s get out of this shit hole before something else happens,” Hajime said, starting towards the door, before he was grabbed back. 

“And go where exactly? The omega said unwaveringly. “It’s still dark outside and we’ve no carriage.” 

It was an unfortunate situation but Tooru was ultimately right. “Fine, but you will stay in my room.” 

When they entered Hajime’s room, he grabbed a pillow from the bed and threw it on the floor. “You take the bed, I’ll stay here if you need anything.” 

But before the alpha could settle by the foot of the bed frame, the other prince grabbed his arm once more. “I…I would feel a lot more comfortable if you joined me,” he mumbled, gesturing toward the bed. 

They locked eyes a moment before Hajime nodded slowly, getting back onto the sheets and turning to his side when he felt Tooru’s weight shift against the other end of the bed. They’d shared a bed before, but not like this. The alpha could barely remember what the past had entailed, too fazed out from his rut to truly take in his surroundings. Did he hold the omega close or did they keep to their respective sides of the mattress in the moments when they weren’t having sex? Some time had passed when the bed began to shake slightly and Hajime turned to see that the omega was quivering in place. 

“Hey, are you cold?” 

The Westerner let out a shaky breath. “No, apologies, I just got reminded of…” 

The shaking had yet to cease and Hajime didn’t know what compelled him to do what he did at that moment, turning toward the omega and wrapping his arms around him. His heart must have been racing but the alpha hardly cared anymore. 

“Hajime-” 

“You stopped, didn't you?” He whispered, content that the other was now still in place. 

“...I suppose I did,” the prince muttered back, inching closer to the other so that his back rested against the alpha’s chest. 

“No one can hurt you, Tooru. As long as I’m here, I'll kill them before they have the chance.” 

The southerner remained awake until the sun began to rise through the window. Then only did he close his eyes and accept the sleep he had been fighting all night. Holding Tooru in his arms had been surprisingly comfortable, and he steadily drifted into a peaceful slumber. 

When Hajime awoke the next morning, the busy sounds of the streets carried in through the window, and the omega was no longer within his grasp. Tooru had already finished dressing and was braiding his hair by the faded mirror in the room. 

“My, you didn’t sleep at all,” the prince smiled in his direction. “I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable.” 

“Not at all!” the alpha replied, a little bit too enthusiastically. He cleared his throat, “Not in the slightest.” He wished he could seem as composed as the other. 

Hajime picked up a sudden commotion that could be heard from outside the window and he put his boots on before trudging toward the sill. There was a crowd gathered just outside the inn, a mix of finely dressed omegas and alphas that were too unrefined to be deemed as patrons of the establishments. In the middle of it all was the older man he had beaten up the night before, a wolf in sheep's clothing. The southerner felt Tooru come up behind him, a hand pressed against his shoulder as he peered over. 

“Reckon they’re here for us?” The omega whispered.

“Perhaps,” he nodded along.

Tooru sighed. “I was afraid this would happen. Stay close to me while I handle it, alright?” 

They made their way outside, the stale, smokey air hitting hard in the summer heat. The whispers added to the tense atmosphere as many stopped to look at Hajime’s bruised knuckles. 

“That’s the man isn’t it?”

“How dare he come here and disrespect our elders?” 

“Let’s jump him. Show him just who he’s messing with.” 

But when Tooru stepped out immediately after, the crowd hushed with a communal gasp. They drew back, some even lowering their heads with a “ Your Highness” before rushing away. However before the group could disperse entirely, an omega came forward.

He was dressed in expensive fabrics with precious stones decorating his hair, neck, wrists, and ears. A courtesan perhaps, and definitely a high-ranking one. “Don’t you all see,” he announced to the remainder of the gathered population, “These nobles believe they can come here and do whatever they want.”

“Mind who you’re talking to,” someone warned from the inside. 

His eyes flicked to the two royals, “I won’t keep quiet this time. You think just because you outrank us we have to accept your maltreatment with a smile.” 

Tooru moved in front of the alpha protecting him. “I will gladly listen to this maltreatment that you speak so passionately about.” 

The other omega was clearly taken back. 

“Which of these establishments do you belong to?” 

His eyes turned fierce. “I don’t belong ,” he said coldly, “I own my establishment.” 

_

They found themselves at a brothel down the street, the decorations slightly tackier than the more exclusive one closer to the capital. The chandelier was crystal, and exotic patterned carpets and tapestries from the Southern Kingdom could be spotted along the wooden floors and walls. There were lamps and glass figures of eastern craftsmanship as well as various wooden carvings that could have only come from the north.

Much like the interior, the omegas were very diverse as well, hailing from all parts of the country. A group of brown-skinned beauties hung on the balcony railing intending on listening in to the conversation at hand. Hidden amongst them were silver-haired northerners and easterners with long dark lashes. Hajime assumed that the establishment must have catered to a wide variety of tastes. 

“Firstly,” the omega began, “You will be paying for my time.” 

Tooru smiled pleasantly despite the other’s terrible attitude. “Name your price.” 

The owner peered at him skeptically. “I must ask what your intentions are for visiting.” 

The prince laughed. “Would you believe me if I confessed that I care quite a bit about the well-being of the residents of this district?” 

He scoffed. “What a declaration for someone who assaulted a respected elder just last night! You nobles are nothing but a load of crap.” 

Hajime furrowed his brow. “That man tried to-!”

Tooru silenced him with a flick of his hand and the alpha fell back. “Do you expect me to believe that all the courtesans working here volunteered on their own free will?” 

The omega was quiet at his words. 

“Ah. Have I struck a nerve?” the westerner pried, “Might I add that you don’t exactly resemble a native.” He took a glimpse of the other omega’s silvery hair and pale skin, “Could it be that you were taken from somewhere? From your family? To this foreign kingdom, all on your own-” 

He jumped up, slightly red in the face. “Don’t talk like you know everything about me! How could someone like you, a royal, ever understand what we go through? You couldn’t even last a day living the way we do here!” 

Tooru took a deep breath. “You are correct. I could never understand.” He walked over to the other, attempting to take his palm before the omega snatched it away. “But how can I even begin to help you if I am this unbeknownst to your hardships? Truly, I wish to ease your pain.” 

The other composed himself.  “We don’t require your help.” 

“Perhaps you don’t need it. But what about the omegas stolen and sold into this jarring life? Those sucked into a world of crime because they don’t know how else to sustain themselves.” The prince paused for a moment, “Those babies, tossed carelessly into the garbage…If not you, I hope to protect them.” 

The omega chewed his lip, softening his expression. “It's not like there's an unlimited amount of resources. We do what we must to survive…” he trailed off, quietly. “Everyone is aware of the terrible things that happen here, even the nobles. They blame us for the atrocities, threaten to shut the brothels down, or outlaw prostitution yet they visit every night without a care for the traces they leave behind. The children are as much theirs as they are ours.”   

Hajime watched as Tooru got up from the couch they shared and lowered himself down next to the other man. The alpha’s eyes widened as the courtesan didn’t move over or flinch as he had done before. Tooru had succeeded, cracked the iron resolve of the other, and gained the favor he had sought out all along. It made perfect sense now, why he had shunned the southerner’s use of force against the locals, careful not to let it interfere with the trust he was intending to build. 

“I don’t blame you, not at all,” he began, “I don’t even blame that man at the inn, sucked into the only scheme that would guarantee a steady income for keeping his business alive. But I promise I will fix it. All of it,” the prince said with a firm certainty to which the other gazed at with wide eyes. 

Suddenly, there was a call from within the establishment and the omega got up from the couch. “Forgive me, but I must take care of some business.”

“Before you go,” Tooru stopped him, “I must offer my gratitude. Our brief conversation alone has given me a great deal of insight.” He reached into the bag Hajime was carrying and brought out a hefty sum of money. “I do hope this will suffice for the time we have taken.”

The courtesan's mouth fell open before he bowed his head. “Your patronage is heavily appreciated.” 

The prince smiled, returning a small curtsy in response. “Additionally, I believe your perspectives could be of even more use to me. I’d like to invite you to join the royal council as one of my advisors…that is if you will allow it.” 

Both Hajime and the other omega were stunned by his declaration. “What on God’s earth could you need my perspective for,” he said, almost laughing as the words left his painted lips. 

“I wish to know how I can best help the residents of the pleasure district. Without you, I’d be the same as any noble or royal who came here whispering false promises of change.” 

He hesitated. “I won't give up my business.” 

Tooru smiled. “And I don’t intend on making you. Both can be done, I assure you.” 

The omega raised his eyebrows. “Very well, if you can respect my conditions…I would be delighted to help you, Your Highness.” 

It was the first time he had addressed the royal with such a respected title. As the two princes were about to leave, some of the eavesdropping courtesans rushed forward to pay their respects. They fanned out their dresses and lowered themselves almost to the floor. 

“We are ever grateful, Tooru-sama,” they praised, “Our Madam was quite rude but you mustn't hold it against him.” 

Another chimed in. “It’s true. Though he’s suffered so much, he treats us wonderfully.”  

They spoke of a young northern omega taken from his family while visiting the western kingdom. His beautiful silvery hair had aroused quite the storm, attracting many patrons. Forced to serve many clients, overworked by his panderer, and praying for the day that the nightmare would end. One day, a noble patron had passed away leaving the entirety of his fortune to the young omega who used it to buy his freedom and open his own establishment. He could have escaped but instead wished to save those who suffered the same fate. 

“We aren’t overworked,” one courtesan said, “And we make suitable income so that we can one day pay the Madam back for his investment in taking care of us all these years.” 

One of the omegas rushed over to a room on the side, returning with a young girl in his arms. 

“A child?” Hajime exclaimed, surprised at seeing a perfectly healthy toddler within the walls of a brothel. 

“At most of the other establishments, babies are only kept if the mother is exceptionally beautiful or if an alpha is born. 

Another courtesan returned with an infant in her arms. “But our Madam is so kind, he reassures us that there is always room to accommodate new children.” 

Tooru smiled kindly at the younger kids who looked at him in fascination. “Hello there,” he addressed the girl, “My, your dress is very pretty.” 

She blushed and turned into his mother’s neck shyly. The group laughed and after a quick moment, the girl leaned up to mumble something. 

The courtesan giggled. “She says that you are very pretty as well.” 

As the pair walked out from the establishment, Tooru looked quite content. “It seems that I picked the right representative.” 

“I do feel he could have treated you with more respect,” Hajime responded, “You will soon be their king after all.” 

The omega giggled. “I didn’t mind. He reminded me a lot of myself, surely he too felt I wouldn’t have taken him seriously if he had not put out such a persona.” 

“Perhaps,” the southerner muttered, recalling the kind ways the courtesans had spoken about their Madam.  “Can I ask why you care so much about the pleasure district?” 

“Well, above all, it is the most dangerous place to live in all the kingdom,” Tooru began, before raising his head. “But it also contains the highest population of omegas. I feared that if I was unable to help them, then no one would.” 

_ 

There was, in fact, much change that had occurred once Tooru’s council had been expanded. Contraception was introduced to each and every brothel in the area, and it was observed that unwanted conception had halted significantly. In the cases where the miraculous drug happened to fail, laws were implemented that protected the resulting children. 

Furthermore, Tooru called for the building of multiple schools and clinics to be erected within the district itself. The schools were meant to keep the children off the streets and prevent them from finding their way to crime. The hospitals were filled with doctors from the capital itself, skilled enough to treat even the more serious of conditions.  With Hajime’s help, a smaller military base was constructed just outside the district and contained soldiers who were meant to protect the residents and locals from the heavy traffic of the work days. 

When progress began to show, Tooru packed his bags and went on to the next place he intended to help. They traveled to the far ends of the kingdom, scattered villages welcoming them with open arms and some leaders confessing that they had never been visited by royals themselves. When they traveled to the fertile region of farmland that bordered the Southern kingdom, the citizens were so far removed from the royal affairs that they weren’t even aware of the late king's death. As he gained the support of his people far and wide, the prince had found alphas, betas, and omegas alike to aid him in his mission.  

Of course, he had Hajime by his side, always. And while the villages and far settlements the prince reached flourished under his care, something else was evolving along the way as well. That happened to be the relationship between the two princes as they traveled the omega’s kingdom in tandem, practically spending each hour of every day together. This even included the long nights, in which Tooru would sometimes climb into the alpha’s bed when he had trouble sleeping. It was brushed off as a desire for warmth, nothing more nothing less, although Hajime swore that he rested better when a certain omega was wrapped in his arms.

Still, the alpha refused to let his counterpart assist with his ruts. He respected the prince far too much to put him under such stress ever again, preferring to instead help himself to the memories of their intercourse to get him through the fever. Hajime knew it was the right thing to do, especially to avoid getting attached to someone who could never truly be his. He was certain that it would only take one more encounter for him to get dangerously addicted to omega’s body. 

There were bittersweet feelings that haunted Hajime when the omega was around. Tooru was brilliant, an omega that needed no introduction with a mind of gold and a face cut from diamond. The only omega who could get the alpha’s heart racing by just the mere scent of rose petals. But each time Hajime let his eyes gaze a little too long at the exceptional beauty of the Western prince, he was reminded that their time together was far from infinite. With how easily he was able to win over his subjects, there would be no doubt that Tooru’s official coronation, the celebration that would crown him King of the Western kingdom, was only mere months away. The painful reminder that Hajime would soon return home to the south pulled him back from any slight giveaway that he could possibly be interested in the prince. 

But a man can only dream, and Hajime dreamt like he had never before. Those nightmares of collars and humiliation were replaced by silly fantasies of a marriage that never was and never would be. It was as if he was reliving his brothers’ wedding, same characters, same setting and all, except his place was right up there at the altar, Daichi and Koutarou watching from the sides. Just like he had on that day, he scours the pews for that lovely face—but Tooru is not even beside Wakatoshi. Instead, he finds that the omega is up there at the altar dressed in a lovely white gown, breathtaking as ever. 

Occasionally, Hajime even managed to convince himself that the attraction he felt for the omega was reciprocated. He wasn’t blind to the glances that Tooru stole when the alpha was getting his morning regime in, nor did he neglect the playful nicknames the other would bestow upon him at any given chance—though Hajime couldn’t tell if he was being flirted with or just made fun of. But no matter how certain he was that his feelings were returned, the Southerner knew he could never confess. He didn’t wish to wreck their current relationship with pointless words of like, love or whatever it was. If he spoke his truth, well, the alpha felt he’d be just as pathetic as any of the prince’s other thousand admirers. Before Hajime knew it, time had flown by and ten months had passed since his arrival. 

Two letters arrived at the Western palace one evening sent directly from Daichi himself, one for Tooru and the other for his brother. Hajime left to the comfort of his room to read the letter, prying open the familiar wax seal of the southern family and taking in the nostalgic scent of parchment.

        My dear brother Hajime, 

I do apologize for not writing to you sooner, but free time has been incredibly sparse in the last few months. As you recall from our last exchange, I informed you of the safe delivery of your two nephews and the well-being of both Koushi and Keiji. I know you are working hard in the West, but it pains my heart that you’ve yet to meet the newest additions to our family. 

Amidst our correspondence, Tooru has informed us of his intent to revisit each of the kingdoms’ leaders and see where the loyalties lie. I expect to be the first, and also anticipate that you will be coming home as well. Though it will be on business, I wished to invite you more personally as your brother. We all miss you very deeply, Hajime, and eagerly wait for the day when you will return to your rightful place as southern commander. 

Of course, I understand that this will only be possible when the kingdoms are reunited once more, a task that can only be achieved by Tooru at this point in time. I am extremely certain that a truce can be achieved, although I will confide in you that I don’t know how much longer we can all hold out. It seems as if a year has already passed without Wakatoshi as our ally, and I fear that the more this conflict drags out, the closer we tread toward the prospect of war. 

Well, there’s only so much I can write on this piece of paper. I am excited to see you again, Hajime. I must also express how proud I am of your help toward Tooru; if only you knew how he praises your skill in our letters. Safe travels and I wait for the day when I can welcome you back with open arms. 

      Your Brother, 

      Daichi 

Hajime let out a sigh when he finished reading the letter. He could feel Daichi’s uneasiness practically leaking from the ink on the paper. While they all trusted Tooru’s strategy, time was ticking away, and the longer they went without meeting directly with Wakatoshi, the further away a truce seemed. It certainly was frustrating. 

On the alpha’s desk sat a small ceramic vase filled with a few roses. Under the westerner’s orders, the maids would change out the flowers daily—a different shade each day. Today it happened to be white. Hajime’s mind betrayed him as it was filled with the illusions of Tooru in a white wedding dress. 

It made the alpha feel pathetic to be thinking such foolish thoughts when his brother’s letter had just reminded him of the true objective at hand. Hajime felt he should kill such daydreams before they started interfering with his duties and so he picked up the inkwell at his desk and dumped the remaining deep blue ink into the vase before turning out the lights and going to sleep. 

What the alpha hadn’t realized was that when he woke the next morning, the spectacle on the desk would bewilder him enough to throw off the covers and rush to investigate. How peculiar, that the vase he expected to hold brown and shriveled plant remains instead carried vibrant and majestic azure roses. Hajime shakily pulled a blue flower from the water and brought it up to his nose, a smiling daring to find his lips at the sweet and familiar smell of perseverance, undeniable beauty, and roses. 

Chapter Text

The Southern Kingdom in the spring was arguably the most beautiful place to find oneself. At least, Hajime thought so, but it could have very well been chalked up to homesickness. He was truly happy to be back, giddy almost, as it was the longest he’d gone without returning to the place he had known all his life.

As the alpha strolled down the marbled corridor to the palace doors, he couldn’t help but think of his older brother. How did Daichi feel as he walked these same paths, returning home after his two-year excursion? Many had praised Hajime for his bravery, mostly for his feats on the battlefield and the port cities of the kingdom. But, the third prince who had previously been so proud of the titles bestowed upon him, suddenly felt like laughing. 

Someone as pathetic as him had no right to be called a braveheart. Not him, not Tetsu, not even Koutarou. Maybe Hajime hadn’t realized it at the time, but the man who had been the bravest of them all was Daichi. The younger alpha could only imagine how much courage his brother must have possessed to walk hand in hand with the common omega he loved. 

Daichi didn’t care about the harsh words thrown his way, he didn’t even bat an eye at the way his own brothers looked at him as if he was making the greatest mistake of his life. Daichi graciously accepted the slap on his face from his father, his idol, and his predecessor. He spared not a single glance at his own mother who keeled over in tears when his title as successor had almost been annulled. And everyone knew that Daichi would do it all again if it meant he could stay by Koushi’s side. 

The alpha raised his head, gazing at the omega walking in front of him. That red dress he wore commanded everyone's attention, but it wasn’t like Hajime wasn’t already looking. How could he call himself brave when he didn’t even have the courage to walk beside Tooru, too scared of the possibility that he would be rejected or put in his proper place as the other’s knight? 

But suddenly, the Westerner turned back, offering Hajime his pretty smile. “What are you doing trailing so far behind me, commander? Last I checked, I was the one in the dress.”  

Much like he always did, the alpha rolled his eyes. But if his tan skin was any paler, the prominent blush he’d have been sprouting would have blown his cover any day now. 

As they threw open the doors, Hajime’s father was the first to greet them. He hugged his son quite quickly before looking at the young omega, lowering his head out of respect. He took the prince’s hand in his own before bringing it up to his lips. 

“Gorgeous as ever, Tooru-san,” the older man said, “It’s our pleasure to be hosting you.” 

“Father please,” the third prince groaned at his old man’s words.

The omega giggled. “The pleasure is all mine, Your Highness.” He turned back to whisper something into Hajime’s ear. “If only you inherited some of your father’s charm along with those good looks.” 

“Oh, not another word,” he sighed in disgust. 

“It certainly is rare to see my son talking so freely with an omega,” the voice of the southern queen rang out. “And I'm certain this son of mine remembers the promise he made to his mother just before he left?” 

Hajime looked at her puzzlingly as he raked his brain, eyes widening when he recalled her brief but powerful threat. “ The next time you return from commander duties, you’d better have found yourself a wife.” 

“Wait Mother, this is not-” 

“If this is your answer, Hajime,” she cut him off, “It looks like I’ve nothing to fret.”

The other queens shared a quick laugh, but the alpha couldn’t risk correcting his mother in front of Tooru of all people, so he remained silent. Next, she turned toward the omega. “Wonderful to meet you, my dear. I do pray that this won’t be our last.” And when she delivered her line, she made sure to look at her son with intensity in her silvery eyes. 

“Hmm, I do wonder what that promise was,” the omega teased. 

“Where are the rest of them?” Hajime asked, puzzled at the fact that none of his brothers had been present to greet the pair. 

The old king spoke. “Daichi is still caught up in a council meeting which is why he sent me to receive you in his place. I believe Koushi, Keiji, and Shoyo are boosting worker morale down in the capital, and Tetsu is…” 

“Right here, father,” the fourth prince said, emerging from behind. “You’re back,” he grinned, throwing his arms around his brother and even ruffling his hair. He looked bewildered when Hajime hadn’t taken the chance to jump at him and pull him into a headlock as he might have done in the past. “Seems that this beast has been tamed.” 

“Lovely as always, Tooru,” Tetsurou said, replicating his father’s gesture. 

“It appears someone received both the manners and the dashing looks,” the omega smiled.

Hajime looked around for his second oldest brother who had yet to make his appearance. “Say, where’s Kouta-” 

Suddenly there was a loud squeal that resounded from somewhere down the hall and the shout of a maid could be heard shortly after. Koutarou’s boisterous laugh cut through the racket and soon, a small bundle of energy came barreling into the room. The infant, who was speedily crawling on all fours, had a full head of jet-black hair and was smiling as he explored the room. 

The curious little alpha crawled all the way to where Hajime was standing, accidentally running into the legs of his uncle. Seeing that his path had been blocked, the baby looked up with his bright golden eyes at the obstruction. 

“Look at him,” Hajime’s smile widened. He reached down, scooping his nephew up from the floor and looking at him head-on. “This has to be Kouji!” 

“Kouji?” Tooru laughed, “As in…” 

“Koutarou and Keiji,” The second prince said as he walked into the room, in his arms another baby with fine silvery hair quietly sucking his thumb. “A bit cheesy isn’t it?” he cocked his head. 

They watched as the baby’s lip quivered and he began to whimper before letting out the most piercing cry. Hajime immediately panicked at the now wailing infant in his arms. “Shit, what do I-” 

Before the situation could get out of hand, Tooru reached over and plucked the child from the other prince’s hands. He pulled him close, rubbing the baby’s back lightly. “There there, I know that big scary alpha frightened you with his loud voice,” he cooed, to which Hajime shot him a troubled look. “But that man is your uncle and he was just very excited to meet you.” 

The whole room watched as the little one stopped crying with a sniffle, his tiny hands finding a fistful of Tooru’s hair and playing with it. Then he began to suck his thumb as he remained utterly infatuated with the omega. 

“You’ve got a gift, Tooru,” Koutarou began, “Once he starts crying it takes a miracle for him to stop.” 

“Well, I always have been quite good at handling alphas—no matter the age,” the prince joked and wrapped a hand firmly around the infant, keeping him still. 

“I see you’ve met the boys,” Daichi's voice filled the room as he finally entered. “Apologies for not being able to greet you sooner.” He shook Tooru’s hand before throwing an arm around his brother. “It’s wonderful to see you two again.” 

The new king walked over to his own son, receiving him from Koutarou as he moved back to the guests. “Tenshin is the calmer one. Here Hajime, why don’t you take him.” But before Daichi could hand the baby over to his brother, the silver-haired boy cowered with a whimper and curled back toward his father. 

At this point, Hajime felt utterly dejected at the fact that he was so terrible with children. It seemed that Tooru found it hilarious that not a single one of the alpha’s nephews wanted to be held by him. The omega snickered about it for a few minutes before taking pity on his poor commander and deciding to help him out. 

“Hajime, here,” he said, lifting Kouji so that he could hand him over to the other prince, “First you want to relax your face and stop being so rigid. You should know that babies can sense those sorts of things.” 

Tooru placed the boy in Hajime’s arms, still keeping his own up against the baby’s neck. “He can’t hold his head yet, so you should place your hand here.” He took the southerner’s palm with his own and brought it up to the back of Kouji’s skull.

The third prince felt a strong excitement when his nephew was now calm in his arms. He looked over at the omega, unable to control the childlike smile on his face. “He’s so small,” Hajime chuckled, running a light touch through the infant’s dark hair. 

Even Tooru couldn’t stop the giggles that left him at this new side to Hajime. “Yes, incredibly so.” 

When the pair finally looked up, they were shocked to see that everyone in the room had their gazes glued to them. Even the old king and queens were staring intently at the western prince and their own as they handled the child together. 

“What’s the matter?” Hajime asked with his eyebrow raised. He first noticed the satisfied look on his mother’s face and even his father’s. Then he caught sight of Tetsurou and his stunned eyes, before seeing Daichi and Koutarou’s amused expressions. 

His second oldest brother was the first to speak up. “Well it’s just,” he let out a jovial laugh, “The both of you looked as if you could be Kouji’s parents just now.” 

Hajime was taken aback. He turned to look at Tooru who was already staring back at him with parted lips. “That’s-” The alpha started, thinking of what to say to undermine Koutarou’s statement. 

“I suppose we do, don't we?” The western prince spoke instead, with a pretty grin that left the commander breathless. 

_

They’d held a meeting shortly after between Daichi and Tooru, which Hajime was permitted to listen in on as usual. It pertained to the current alliances between the four kingdoms, and if the three remaining still stood on solid ground. 

“I’m certain you know my answer,” Daichi reaffirmed, “Though I hold my own reservations about the time it’s taken to get where you are, my support is unwavering.” 

Tooru nodded to himself. “I know I can trust you. But the one I am unclear of is Suguru-san. Surely at this point, he is aware of the conflict, yet he remains rather cryptic about his loyalties.” 

Hajime could piece together the true meaning behind the conversation. Even he knew that the longer they went without reunifying the two kingdoms, the more plausible war seemed. And if a war was set to happen, the West would need practically all the help they could get not to risk being outnumbered by the military prowess of the North. 

“I’ve received no word of his stance either,” Daichi continued. 

“My visit to the East has been in motion for quite some time. Certainly, I can find an ally in Suguru.” 

The alpha adjusted in his seat. “That sounds like a fine plan, although have you considered the long-standing loyalty between the East and the North? What will you do if Wakatoshi has already staked his claim?” 

Tooru laughed. “If there’s one thing I'm certain I can beat Wakatoshi at, it’s winning people over.” 

The king smiled. “And I’m quite certain of that as well. But the real question is, can you win Wakatoshi over?” 

The omega closed his eyes and sighed. “To be transparent with you, I…don’t know. If it’s not flaunting my looks or making him empty promises, I can’t predict if that man will hear me out or not.” 

“I understand, but Tooru, I’d put some faith in our old friend,” Daichi said, “He’s far from evil, you and I both know that. You’ve hurt him, very badly, but he’s had the time to cool off and reconsider his rash actions.”

“I do hope that your judgment is correct.” 

_ 

By suppertime, everyone had returned to the palace including the three royal omegas from an exhausting day out. Since a halt in resources from the Northern Kingdom, the southern workforce had been experiencing a slight decrease in morale due to the fact that they’d been having to work twice as hard to make up for the loss in product. 

Who better to encourage such workers than the crown jewels of the southern kingdom? Their new queen Koushi was kind and beautiful, with a true regal aura and the ability to motivate through his words like no other. Prince Keiji was an omega who caught eyes wherever he walked, with elegance and grace but also a certain strength that anyone could only strive to match. The youngest prince had been a favorite of his people ever since his first public appearance at the age of two. Shoyo’s smile and friendly personality, as well as his unforgettable flaming hair and enthusiasm, meant that those who met him would surely remember him forever. 

After dinner, the new mothers gathered in the garden to spend time with their children after another full day of work. They were joined by the others who came to enjoy the warm spring evening and catch up over the many months that had passed since Hajime’s departure. 

“How have you been getting along with the men at the western base?” Koutarou asked as he reminisced about his old colleagues.

“They’re a strong bunch. A few interesting characters I must say. Tanaka-san has been drooling over a woman in Tooru’s council as of late, in fact, he’ll fight anyone for the chance to escort her from the council meetings back to the school.” 

Shoyo looked up from his place on the floor where he was playing with Kouji. When the young omega visited, it was often his duty to tire out the kids before their bedtime. “You must be talking about Shimizu-sensei. She might not show it but I know she has a soft spot for that knight.” 

Hajime snickered. “Look at you Sho. I suppose kissing one alpha makes you the love expert?” 

Just then, the omega’s three other brothers looked up from whatever they were doing. Tetsurou was the first to react as he whistled suggestively and raised his brows. “Aw, little chibi-chan, all grown up.”

Daichi and Koutarou on the other hand were far from encouraging when they heard the news. “What on earth?” the king clenched his jaw, “Who gave that man the permission? More importantly, who gave you the permission,” his rising anger was directed more toward his youngest brother. 

“More importantly,” Koutarou added, “When did this even happen and why are we just now finding out about it?!” 

Before the situation could escalate due to the overprotectiveness of Shoyo’s oldest brothers, Koushi cut in. “I think it’s quite admirable that you’ve expanded your council in such a way, Tooru-san.” He even sent a wink in Shoyo’s direction, serving as a distraction and leading everyone away from the current topic of conversation. 

“I appreciate your flattery, but admirable or not, it was simply something that I crucially needed to implement,” the westerner smiled. “Motherhood certainly suits the both of you, I hope the adjustment wasn’t too difficult.” 

Keiji sighed. “Right now, we have lots of help from the palace staff. The difficult part was carrying that boy. He kicked nonstop, like he was growing impatient waiting in my womb and eager to see the world.” 

Koutarou came up behind his mate, wrapping his arms around the omega’s waist. “I was so worried, especially since there wasn’t anything I could do to ease Keiji’s discomfort.” 

The easterner laughed, letting his hand come up to caress his husband’s face. “Luckily, the labor was over within a few minutes itself. The pain was surprisingly quite manageable.” 

“On the other hand,” Koushi began, “I had few problems throughout the duration of my pregnancy. Tenshin was quite the little angel, precisely why we named him as such. But I was in agony for half a day just trying to get him out.” He looked over at his mate, who wore a sorrowful expression remembering the tremendous stress the whole process had caused. Squeezing Daichi’s arm, the queen hummed peacefully. “Well never mind that. Babies are blessings are they not? Struggling is a given I suppose.” 

“Not to mention, they are quite adorable,” Shoyo beamed at the two infants sitting on his lap and toying with his bright-colored locks. He snuggled his face closer, “I can’t wait to have my own!” 

Once again, all the alphas in the room slowly turned to peer at their brother. Koutarou walked over, shaking his head before picking up his son who kicked and squealed gleefully. “It’s far too early for you to be thinking such thoughts, Sho.” 

Their oldest brother sighed as he too gathered up his silver-haired baby. “Precisely. You’ve yet to finish your studies, let alone find a suitor. 

Tooru found himself laughing at the amusing situation. “A boy can dream can’t he?” He said before leaning down to whisper something into the young omega's ear. “Your brothers are unaware, but there’s a particular alpha I am quite well acquainted with who can’t seem to keep your name out of our letters.” 

Shoyo turned red at his words. “Y-you don’t say.” 

“Tooru-san, are the quarters to your liking?” Keiji began, “I chose them myself so I wondered if you found them alright.” 

“Yes, the room is wonderful,” he smiled at his former schoolmate, “In fact, I think it’s time I retreat for the evening. All this travel has been rather exhausting.” 

As the omega got up from his seat to tread the path back down to the castle, the scraping of another chair against the floor caught his attention. Hajime had stood up too, trailing behind him.

He chuckled. “Hajime, you need not follow me today. You’re seeing your family after so long, I can manage on my own.” 

“Family or not, I won’t ignore my primary duties on this visit,” the alpha said, adamant. “And …I’m quite tired as well.” He offered the room a quick gesture before exiting by Tooru’s side. 

 _

When Hajime opened his eyes in the morning, he saw a familiar form tucked underneath the covers on the opposite corner of his bed. Now, it wasn’t uncommon to find Tooru where he was after all the nights they had spent in each other's company. Surely it was normal, so long as all they did was sleep. More impressively, Hajime grinned, wondering how the prince was even able to locate his room in the dead of the night. 

The alpha knew he should wake his visitor. It was still early, but if the palace staff were to catch them in such a situation, surely the gossip would grow out of hand. And the last thing he wanted was for his mother to find out and blow it out of proportion. Still, Tooru looked too peaceful in his deep sleep for Hajime to even imagine forcing him back to his own room. Instead, he decided to sneak up to the training room, shutting the door quietly behind him so that the omega wouldn’t be disturbed for as long as possible. 

The sun began to rise after some time, and the door rattled and pushed open, leaving Hajime to put down his sword as he expected to see Koutarou, Keiji, or both. He was taken aback when Tooru came forward, still clad in his nightdress and a sheer shawl. 

“It’s still early,” Hajime breathed out, wiping some of the sweat from his face. “You should return to sleep.”

He watched as the omega looked his body up and down as he treaded closer. “Your staff said that I might find you here. Seems like you’ve been at it for a while.”

“Conditioning is important,” the alpha said, resuming his regimen and observing the way Tooru’s eyes searched the weaponry in the room, his arm darting out to trace the handle of a saber. 

With his back turned, Hajime got a few more repetitions in before his ears perked up at the swish of a blade. Then there was a dull poke at his back and he spun to see Tooru holding a discarded sword with a hilariously incorrect grip. 

“Consider me your newest apprentice, commander.” 

 The alpha chuckled. “I’m afraid you’re out of luck, seeing as I don’t take any students.”