Allen was sitting on a crate just outside of the palace kitchens, cigarette hanging out of his thin lips. If Scott knew he was smoking he’d likely get in trouble, but a few fifties kept the kitchen staff quiet. He had been lonely for the past few days, as both Robbie and Scott seemed to be avoiding him for whatever reason.
He was mulling over why that might be when the alarms went off. The shrill, incessant noise had him standing in seconds, stamping out his cigarette as the help beckoned him inside. He was then promptly shoved into a saferoom by a giant, burly chef without much being said. The wall closed behind him after that, somewhat muffling the alarm system, and he turned to find he’d been put with what looked like six Omegas. They were all in various uniforms, shaking like leaves and huddling into one another for comfort. Allen could practically feel the distress wafting off of them.
With a sigh, he sat down against the wall. He decided against trying to calm them down because he’d likely make them more upset. He had a knack for saying the worst thing possible. Allen didn’t know how long he sat there staring at the opposite wall. He tried not to think about anything, because all his mind could really focus on is if Robbie and Scott were okay. Had they gotten to a safe room? Were they scared? Was Robbie crying as he’d done last time, with no one to hold him? Had Scott witnessed yet another awful death and completely froze again? He really wished he had a clock.
Eventually, the alarms finally shut off and the only thing that could be heard were the soft whimpers and sniffles from the group of Omegas. His instincts were going into overdrive at that point, the urge to protect and comfort making him antsy. He thrummed his fingers against his knee as he tried to get his brain to shut up.
“Hey.” A voice whispered and Allen looked up. An Omega was standing in front of him, arms crossed over her chest. She was shaking slightly, and her bottom lip was quivering. She sniffled before continuing. “How are you doing? N-no one’s even bothered asking you yet.”
Allen stood up because she looked like she might literally collapse any second. “I’m fine. Are you okay?”
“No!” She practically wailed and threw themselves at his chest. He caught her with a small ‘oof’. “I’m so scared!”
He just patted their back awkwardly. He didn’t see why they were being so dramatic; nothing had even happened to them. “It’ll be okay. The palace has really good soldiers. They’ll handle it and everyone will be safe again in no time.”
Suddenly another, older Omega was pulling her off. He had tears running down his cheeks too, but he wasn’t crying uncontrollably like she was. “Sorry, Mr. Perez. She’s just distressed.” He bowed his head respectfully.
“It’s fine.” He waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. This situation was stressful for everyone. “Are all of you okay?”
“We’re good. Thank you.” He replied for pulling her back over to their group huddle.
They left him alone after that, and it didn’t seem like too much time had passed before the wall slid open, letting him and the Omegas out of the room. A bunch of guards and a little Beta named Linda, she was sort of in charge of him and the other Suitors, were standing outside. Linda immediately took him by the arm. “We’ve been looking for you everywhere! Come on, King Scott has been so worried.”
“Are you okay? Why were you even near the kitchens? You should have been in the royal saferoom!” She scolded as she pulled him through the corridors. She seemed to be taking the smaller corridors and backways to get to the King’s study. The main hallways must have been damaged.
“I’m sorry.” He muttered, not feeling particularly sorry. “I was bored and just wanted to help out.”
“Well, that isn’t your place. The amount of grief you caused me isn’t worth it. The King will be breathing down my neck about knowing where all of you are at all times.” Linda complained as they reached the doors to the King’s study. There were about six guards flanking it right now with grim expressions on their faces. Linda didn’t even acknowledge them as she pushed through the doors, pulling Allen along like she was an angry mom whose kid was throwing a tantrum in the middle of the grocery store.
Inside was a weird sight. James, who seemed to be Scott’s main advisor, was sitting at the King’s desk, spinning around in the plush office chair with a bored expression on his face. Allen’s eyes moved to the loveseat in the study, where the King sat. He had his arms wrapped around a very distraught looking Robbie. Scott was frowning and his eyebrows were furrowed as he whispered something to the Omega. Robbie’s face was red and splotchy from crying, his big green eyes watery. The sight of them together made his heart flutter like some lovesick schoolgirl.
All three heads snapped up when the two entered the room, and both Omegas were on their feet in seconds. “Oh my gosh, you’re okay!” Robbie exclaimed and went to hug him. Allen hugged him back immediately, glad to see them both. Unlike the Omega from before, holding Robbie felt completely and undeniably right.
Allen looked up to the King, who was standing a little farther back with his arms crossed over his chest. He had bags under his eyes from the stress of the day, but his glittering eyes were always sharp. “Where were you?”
“I wound up in a safe room near the kitchens.” Allen raised an eyebrow and held his free arm to the King.
Scott huffed but still moved so that Allen could scoop him into a hug too. “What were you doing down there?” He demanded.
“Helping.” Allen gave them both a little squeeze which made Robbie squeak adorably. He was so relieved they were both okay. “You’ve both been avoiding me, and I was bored.”
Scott’s brows furrowed more as he opened his mouth to defend himself and Robbie’s face flushed guiltily. Before either could get a word out, James spoke up.
“This is all good and disgustingly sweet, but we have work to do my King.” James stood up from the King’s chair, looking to him pleadingly. “Your silly Alpha is okay, and you can deposit this upset Omega with him. I’m sure the council is questioning where your priorities lie.”
Scott looked like he really wanted to argue, but he nodded instead. “Very well.” Then he turned his attention back to Robbie and Allen. “Both of you go to your rooms and stay there. Absolutely no wandering until told otherwise. I’m sure Linda would be more than happy to escort you back.”
Linda was not more than happy to lead them to their rooms. She complained practically the entire time about how babysitting adults was not in her job description. Allen easily ignored her and when they got to Robbie’s door, he pulled him into another hug. “If you need anything, send a maid to get me, okay?”
Robbie agreed and disappeared into his room. Soon enough Allen in his own, feeling antsy. He was tired of being shoved into rooms and left there. He wished he could go for a walk or do something. He stared at his door for a good few minutes. How much trouble could he actually get in for wandering? Deciding he could no longer stand being there, he quietly slipped out, heading down the deserted corridor.
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