Cool wind swept past Allen as he sucked in a deep breath. The cold seeped into his thin pajamas and caused goosebumps to prickle his skin. It was a welcome feeling. His room seemed beyond stuffy and did nothing to soothe his racing thoughts.

Winter was pretty much upon the Kingdom. His balcony overlooked the Palace gardens, which was likely a pretty sight during the warm seasons, but right now it was barren. Spindly branches from the bushes and trees reached towards the sky while dead leaves scattered across the ground. Maybe it would have been pretty if everything was coated in a layer of snow, but none had fallen yet this year. He hoped it would snow while he was here. He lived in the southern part of the kingdom, and it barely got cold there. He’d only seen the white stuff twice in his entire life.

Sighing, Allen sat down on one of the outside chairs, letting his head drop to his hands.

Scott had asked him to marry him and he’d run. Well, he’d asked Allen to rule with him. Which might as well have been the same thing. Either way, he’d jumped up from his seat, mumbled something about not feeling well and ran. He was freaked out. They had known each other for a month and a half, which certainly wasn’t enough time to be even considering being married.

Even if it was, Scott was the King. Marrying him meant taking on some of his responsibility. Although he was older than the Omega, he felt like he’d be throwing his life away. Being King or whatever he’d be considered as Scott’s mate, would mean that he couldn’t lead a normal life. His decisions would not only affect him but the entire Kingdom. He would be trading shitty frat parties for meetings and paperwork. He wouldn’t be able to stroll down the street without a slew of guards surrounding him. The stress would eat away at him and he wouldn’t even be able to get high to take the edge off.

However, the idea of someone else by Scott’s side, helping him run the kingdom, marrying him, sharing his bed, claiming him… well it made his chest tighten. He wasn’t sure why, his feelings for Scott didn’t run deep. His best guess was that the King reminded him of his ex. That couldn’t be a good thing, right?

The more he thought, the more restless he became. He needed to do something to clear his mind, the cool air from his balcony wasn’t enough anymore. Allen sprung up from his chair and left the room, not bothering with shoes. He could feel guards’ eyes following as he hurried down the corridors, but none tried to stop him. That is, until he got to the doors leading to the gardens and two guards stepped in front of him, blocking him off.

“Let me through.” Allen growled. He had no patience for this right now.

“Suitors aren’t permitted onto the grounds.” The one on the left spoke, his voice high and nasally like nails on a chalkboard.

“Move.” He tried again, itching to punch them both in the face. When neither budged, repeating what they’d said before, he did just that. Both were unconscious before the other guards managed to detain him.

His hands were bound, and he was taken to the King’s study, who showed up about ten minutes later. Allen watched as the Omega entered the room. If possible, he looked even worse than before. The bags under his eyes were darker and his hair was a rat’s nest atop his head. He wore a loose pink t-shirt and sweatpants. He rounded his desk and sat down on his chair, fixing his gaze on Allen. He wasn’t wearing those round glasses this time around, or contacts evidently, with the way his eyes squinted to look at him properly. Allen suppressed a smile.

“Untie his hands.” Scott waved his hand with an annoyed sigh. “Then leave us.”

“But your majesty-“ One started but was cut short by the look Scott gave him.

“I am in no mood to be argued with.”

“Y-yes, sir.” The guard stuttered out and untied his hands before leaving.

Allen rubbed his wrists gratefully. He wasn’t used to being the one tied up. He kept his eyes down, avoiding the death glare being sent his way. It was quiet for a few moments, as if Scott was waiting for him to start the conversation. When he provided none, Scott let out a small huff before starting. “Care to explain why you attacked two of my guards?”

“They were pissing me off. I wanted to go outside, and they wouldn’t let me.” Allen shrugged a little.

“Because they were doing their jobs. I’m the one who gave the order. You can’t just go about attacking people when you don’t get what you want.”

“I was just angry.” Allen looked up and Scott was biting his lip, sinking his teeth into the soft flesh. Though it was more in a distracted manner, it still sent a jolt down his stomach and straight toward his crotch. He cleared his throat and looked away.

“Why? Did it have to do with earlier?” Scott’s chair squeaked a bit as he settled into it.

“I guess. What you said was… well, a lot.” He sighed and sat back in his own chair.

“I didn’t mean to scare you.” The King giggled a bit. “I’m just being pushed to choose someone by the council.”

“Why me?”

“You’re the best candidate, honestly. The Kingdom is restless, and your rank would calm them down a bit. They think I’m incapable. Not to mention, your father is a well-known politician.” Scott supplied, but Allen felt like he was holding something back. The look on his face must have been reluctant, because he continued, “I don’t need any immediate answer, Allen. I can show you what it would be like, then you can decide.”

“…Okay.” He finally answered.

“Great! We’ll start after breakfast tomorrow.” Scott chirped happily and stood up. Allen did the same and they both went back to their rooms for the night.