Almost immediately, someone kneeled next to him as the rest of his bodyguards dispersed.

     "Scotty." The man's voice called out softly, low enough that no one around could hear his informality. It could only be Colin's. No one ever said his name with so much care. Despite the comfort that this voice brought him, he was still terrified to his very core. "Let's get you to your chambers so you can rest."

     He allowed himself to be helped up, the alpha's tan arm sliding around his waist to keep him upright. This steady arm would not let him shatter into a million pieces. At least not in front of everyone. Royalty did not get the luxury of breaking down where so many eyes could see.

     He vaguely heard Colin call for someone to take care of his crown. Good. He didn't want to see the cursed thing any longer than he had to.

     They were quiet as they walked towards his room. The only thing that broke the silence was his own occasional sniffling. He took the time to study Colin's face for a few moments. Defined jaw line, warm brown eyes, and close cropped brown hair. He remembered when it used to be a shaggy mess, but that was when they were children. He would give anything to go back to that.

     Too soon, they reached the heavy set of wooden doors that led into the prince's suite. Soon, he would be moving into his father's room.

     "I'll go get a maid to draw a bath for you." Colin moved away from him and started down the hall.

     "Wait." Scott reached out and grabbed his wrist before he could get far.

     He turned, warm brown eyes searching his own. His breath hitched ever so slightly and he hoped Colin didn't notice. "Yes?" He questioned.

      "Stay with me." He pleaded, trying to not sound too desparate. He couldn't bear being alone tonight. Not when he knew his dreams would be haunted by his dead father's ghost and angry citizens screaming for his blood. If he even managed to fall asleep, that is.

     "Scott-" He started, his eyebrows scrunching down in confusion.

      "Please?" He murmured, wrapping his arms around himself and lowering his gaze. He hated asking this of him, but there was no one else he could trust.

      A low growl came from Colin's throat. "Stop that." He gruffly grabbed the Omega's arm, and pulled him inside the bedroom, quickly shutting and locking the door behind them.

     "What do you think you're doing?" Colin demanded, turning towards Scott. The Alpha's expression was unreadable. "Why were you submitting yourself to me so openly? I'm not your mate."

     Tears prickled his eyes again as he tried to swallow the lump in his throat. He felt embarrassed for being so weak. "I-I don't know what to do." He confessed in a shaky voice, refusing to meet the man's eye. "I have no one I can turn to."

      There was an audible sigh, but suddenly he was being wrapped in a warm embrace. "Of course. I'm sorry, this must be so difficult for you."

     As he spoke, he began running his fingers through Scott's dark tresses and lightly rubbing the back of his neck. How long had it been since he'd been gentled by someone like this? He supposed since right before Colin was betrothed. The thought made him feel guilty, but he quickly pushed it aside, instead nuzzling the Alpha's broad chest. This was heaven.

     "Stay with me just for tonight. I need you Colin." He murmured. He'd get down on his knees and beg if he so had to.

     "Is that a king's order?" Colin asked with a hint of sarcasm, chuckling lightly.

      "It can be if it makes you stay." Scott couldn't help but crack a smile himself.

      For a while they stayed like that, enjoying one another's company. Finally, Colin pulled away. "Let me go change out of these clothes and shower. You should do the same."

      "Promise you'll come back?"

      "I promise."

     Thirty minutes later, they were both awkwardly laying in bed, facing each other but not touching. Colin's scent mingled with the smell of his lavender soap. He didn't think he could ever get tired of that smell.

     He racked his brain for something to say, but with the recent events, there wasn't much to go off of. Just as he was about to open his mouth, Colin sighed and pulled him close. "Try and get some sleep, Scotty. You have bags under your eyes."

     He simply nodded and settled into the embrace. How was he ever going to sleep with his heart racing like this?

     It was going to be a long night.