Scott thrummed his fingers against the table idly, anger building up in his chest. It had been two weeks since he’d been crowned, and everyday since then the Council has gathered to discuss the shitshow that was the start of his reign. Civil unrest was at an all time high, protests and riots had formed all over the Kingdom. His people, particularly Alphas, did not believe him to be fit, which he had expected. Upset enough to boycott it for two weeks though? No, absolutely not. The Council had met everyday to discuss solutions, but there wasn’t much that could really be done. In fact, by the third day they were arguing like children. Back and forth like a tennis match. Scott had tried joining in on these discussions at first, but he quickly realized that the Council did not care about what he had to say. In fact, they ignored them. Acted like he didn’t exist.
It surprised him at first. The Council was mainly made up of Betas because they were known to be very levelheaded and thoughtful. Seeing them act so uncharacteristically became boring very quickly, and Scott felt like he was here more out of formality than need. Certainly, they could argue like this without him present, right? He could use his time for something actually useful, rather than watching them bicker like toddlers for hours at a time. Really, it was a miracle none of them had lost their voices yet. Nothing was going to progress unless someone intervened. Unfortunately, he figured that person was himself.
Scott stood quickly, purposefully knocking his chair over which clattered against the hardwood floor with a loud bang. Then he slammed his hands against the table for good measure. “That. Is. Enough.” He ground out, looking every one of them in the eye. It was quiet enough to hear a pin drop at that point, and the shocked looks on their faces was nearly comical. It was like they’d never had an Omega yell at them before. Which is likely true, though he was no stranger to these meetings, he’d only ever attended as the crown prince and therefore did not really speak. “I tire of hearing your voices. Unless any of you have anything meaningful to advise, I will call this meeting, if this posturing contest can even be called that, to an end.”
Their shock quickly melted into anger though. Not outright, because even his council would never disrespect the Crown blatantly, but if their stony expressions and barely contained glares were anything to go by, they were pissed. James Mitchell, previously his father’s most trusted councilor and one of three Alphas sitting before him, spoke up. “What do you suggest, Your Majesty? About the riots, I mean.”
James was an interesting character. Scott didn’t know much about the Alpha, despite having grown up with him at his father’s side. He was a few years older than his father, making him around fifty. Handsome for an Alpha, Scott supposed, but too old. And the fact that he preferred another Alpha warming his bed. He sighed, picking up his chair and settling down into it before looking to the Alpha again. James’s eyes were dark, almost sunken looking with the dark bags under them, likely from lack of sleep. Scott wonders if the man is taking his father’s untimely death harder than himself. “Frankly, I don’t think the riots hold much importance.” Scott said, feeling the room bristle with tension. He keeps his eyes on James, whose lips quirk in the faintest hint of surprise. Otherwise, his expression doesn’t change. “Our graphs show that it’s mostly the Alphas who are protesting. Let them have their tantrums.”
Matteo, a very outspoken Beta, looked like he was about the burst a vein. “Excuse me?” He questioned sharply, taking a deep breath to calm himself when Scott settled a cold gaze on him. “I apologize, but with all due respect, Your Majesty, you can’t seriously consider doing nothing? The steel industry is nearly at a standstill!”
“Yes, a demographic of low-class Alphas. If they want to continue to provide for their Omegas, then they will begin working again soon.” Scott said, leaning back in his chair. He could tell they were going to be here for a while, but at least they were being somewhat productive. “The Alphas and their fragile prides are not of my concern. They’re not who I want on my side. Omegas are the backbone of this Kingdom, and as such, I will do everything in my power to accurately represent them. Which, I suppose, leads me to my next topic of discussion. I want a mate.”
It was quiet for a few moments. Clearly none of them were expecting him to suggest that, though Scott was sure it had been on their minds. An Omega King ruling by himself for any length of time seemed ridiculous, even he could admit that. Not to mention, he had no heir, and would be needing one if he wanted his bloodline to stay within the crown. So, if he had to mate, he was going to do everything in his power to have control over the situation.
“…I hope you are not suggesting your head guard, Your Majesty.” James said slowly, his nostrils flaring slightly.
Scott couldn’t help but laugh, knowing that Colin’s scent remained on his skin even though he’d showered. The Beta’s looked increasingly confused, their weak noses likely unable to detect another’s scent lingering around him like a perfume. “No, of course not.” He said dismissively, “I would like to mate a citizen.”
“That won’t be difficult. Suitors swarmed the Palace when you came of age. They only stopped because you wouldn’t be courted.” Dianne reminded, but Scott frowned in distaste.
“Courting is kind of outdated, don’t you think? Besides, that basically excludes everyone but high-class citizens. Only nobility can afford suitable courting gifts.” Scott explained, somewhat eager. This had been on his mind for days. He could only hope that his Council felt like this was a good idea too. “Reality television has been a big hit in Othebia for the past few years, so what if we capitalize on that? I could invite a certain amount of people to the Palace, and “court” them. We could televise it and distract the media from the protests.”
“I don’t think-“ Matteo began, but James quickly cut him off. “No, that isn’t half bad. It could help with your image too; your people seem to think of you as spoiled and incapable. How would we regulate which Alphas you invite?”
“Not just Alphas. I want Suitors from all three ranks, Othebia is an equal opportunity Kingdom, after all.” He smiled, liking the way that they frowned. Like hell he was going to mate with an Alpha. “I’ll allow fifteen suitors to stay in the Palace. We can send out applications to the appropriate people, so they can decide if they want an opportunity. Each rank will be represented equally, so five Alphas, five Betas, and five Omegas. The Council, excluding myself, can choose the Alphas, but the Betas and Omegas will be drawn at random.”
“Is that all?”
“No, whoever I choose will be my Queen, regardless of their rank.”
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