“I’ve just received news from your secretary, Your Majesty, that the crown princess of Lockmere is requesting a visit.” James was sitting across from him, looking as bored as ever, despite being the one who called for the meeting. It was bright and early, before breakfast even, and judging by the subdued atmosphere from the rest of his council, they didn’t see why this was so important either.
“…I see. When should we expect Princess Emeline, then?” He asked, ignoring the twinge of discomfort at her mention. The Princess of Lockmere was an Alpha, through and through, and someone who Scott had dealt with nearly his entire life. Othebia and Lockmere were neighbors and close allies, and the Princess was only a few years older than himself. They’d often got lumped together as children, and there had even been discussed of mating at one point. That didn’t mean he liked her though. No, he wasn’t fond of the Alpha at all.
“Next week, assuming that we accept.”
“And why wouldn’t we? We’ve never declined a visitation before.” Dianne butt in, yawning immediately after. Apparently the rest of his Council didn’t see an issue, and frankly, neither did he.
“It’s much too early for your brains to be working, clearly. Let’s think of why, beginning with the obvious. He’s an Omega-“James gestured towards him, which was a little offensive, “Newly titled King of a highly peaceful nation who hasn’t seen war in the past hundred years. Lockmere on the other hand, is one of the most militarized kingdoms in the world, currently at war, with an eligible Alpha princess who would gain nearly fifty percent more land and twenty-five percent of Earth’s steel industry by taking an Omega as her mate. Would she receive backlash by forcing a mating on an Omega? Not when she’s now controlling the weapons that she’d previously been having imported for her military.”
Scott sat back, wishing there was a cup of coffee in his hands rather than a pen. James certainly made a good point, despite how much he hated when the man was right. “Refusing isn’t an option, lest we offend Lockmere’s royal family. The last thing we need is to be on their bad side.”
“And what? Risk becoming Lockmere’s bitch over niceties?” Marcus, currently the only other Alpha sitting on his Council along with James, scoffed.
Scott pursed his lips, looking over the man. He was one of the older ones on his Council, having served as a member at the tail end of his Grandfather’s reign, as well as the duration of his father’s. He was traditional in the patriarchal sense, and the more time Scott spent working with him, the less and less he liked him. “I believe I remember my father saying he kept you as a Councilor because you don’t sugarcoat difficult matters, but I just find you to be crass, Marcus.” He then turned his attention back to James, “Please tell my secretary to send the normal correspondence. Othebia has always been accommodating to its allies, and that will not change now.” He stood up then, not glancing back as he left the room. “Meeting adjourned.”
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It was late in the evening, but Scott couldn’t quite settle down for the night. His sheets were too warm, bed too soft to the point he was feeling like he was being suffocated. No matter which way he turned, how much he ignored the uncomfortable feeling, he just couldn’t get settled.
After his rather ominous meeting with his advisors, the rest of his day had been spent in PR meetings, trying to divert the unwanted attention surrounding the pictures of him. Not that he had to do much at this point. He’d released a teary statement as Allen Perez had suggested, and he didn’t even have to sue the magazine company. There was enough backlash against the company that he didn’t even have to worry about what other photos that they might have, Lustrous Illustrated reviews had dropped dramatically. Scott’s rather generous donation to the biggest sexual assault victim organization today was enough to completely distract that he may or may not have had an affair with a mated Alpha or Beta.
That was relieving, thankfully, but what wasn’t was Princess Emeline’s visitation. Lockmere had been at war for a number of years, so he hadn’t had to see her for some time, but any length of time wouldn’t be even close to enough. She had never been pleasant while he was crowned prince, so he can only imagine how much worse it would be now that he was King. Despite his heightened status, there was no one “in charge” of him now. As much as he hated it, his father had always had the final say in any decisions regarding himself, only because he was his father. Omega’s medical and legal decisions ultimately fell onto either their father or mate, and with Scott’s unique position and having no such person in his life, he could very well be interpreted as fair game. His only hope that Lockmere didn’t see Othebia (and ultimately himself) as an easy conquest was the fact that Scott was technically being courted.
Unfortunately, he has a feeling she’ll only view this as a challenge.
That thought is what has him standing up from his bed, lungs feeling like they were on fire as he wrapped a robe around himself and threw some slippers on before he was leaving his room. It was in these moments that he hated the fact that he was never truly alone, that there were guards stationed in almost every corridor. He was thankful that none tried to speak with him as he made his way down to the ground floor, hardly making eyes contact as they bowed as he passed. Scott didn’t give himself time to calm down until he was on the stone path in the gardens that were lit with little solar powered lights so that people wouldn’t trip over the uneven stone.
As he breathed in the cool air, he reminded himself that he had a strong, highly fortified kingdom in the palm of his hands. The Goddess herself would have to make an appearance before he would submit to an Alpha, especially one like her.
The thought was only a little comforting, but he felt much calmer now that he wasn’t in the confines of his stuffy room. A nightly stroll might do him some good, at the very least make him exhausted enough to get a few hours of sleep.
Scott knew the gardens well, little of it had changed during his twenty years of life. The same plants, same twists and turns of the path. It was when he was nearing the hydrangeas that he stumbled upon a figure. They were sitting on a bench, plucking the petals off of what appeared to be a daffodil and letting them fall to the ground.
“Mr. Perez.” He greeted to make himself known. The Alpha looked up, clearly surprised. He was handsome in the way most Alphas were, strong angular face and sharp eyes.
“My King.” Allen stood, bowing shortly. The half bald flower was still in his hands, “It’s a bit late to be out, I wasn’t expecting to run into anyone.”
“I can say the same.” Scott hadn’t had the chance to talk to the Alpha much, not that he had been vying for his attention either. He seemed to mostly keep to himself. “I hope you don’t mind some company.”
“Not at all. Please sit, Your Majesty.” So, he did, and for a few moments it was silent until Allen said, “Can’t sleep?”
“Did the pajamas give it away?” He asked and Allen huffed a small laugh, “I don’t think I’ve never seen you out of a suit.”
“Well, they aren’t exactly comfortable to rest in. How has the Palace been treating you?”
“It’s definitely different than what I’m used to, but it’s not a bad change. I’ve been definitely taking advantage of all the downtime I now have.” Allen responded, still picking at the flower in his hands.
“Oh, yes, you were in college right? I remember it from your records. What was your major?”
“Political science. Really boring, though I’m sure you know all about it. My father wants me to follow in his footsteps. Though my parents’ aspirations for me seemed to have changed in light of being chosen as a Suitor.” He sighed, looking almost dejected.
“Don’t act too excited about it.” He scoffed, trying not to feel offended. “I know your family has never been a fan of the crown, I was surprised when your name was drawn. Was there a change of heart?”
“Only because of the crown on your head. They don’t like you still, but royalty isn’t something my dad can be elected into. He and my mother want to live vicariously through me, even if that means having an Omega as a son in law.”
“And how do you feel about me? Being King, that is.” Scott hadn’t even considered any of his Suitors not being interested in him, but it was definitely something to think about. He had expected many of them to be after the crown, but not any of them actually being put off at the idea of royalty.
“Do you want a truthful answer?” The Alpha asked, and he just nodded, motioning at him to continue, “I don’t think Omegas should be in positions of power, especially not as something as big as being a head monarch. I think it’s good that you’re looking for a mate, though with your reputation I won’t be surprised if you choose an Omega just to continue to spite everyone.”
“So you’re sexist.” He stated, and Allen had the gall to look offended.
“It’s not sexist. How is expecting an Omega to stay within their rank sexist?”
“You’re generalizing Omegas and their abilities. What else would you call it?” Scott wasn’t so used to these conversations. People tended to tiptoe around his feelings, and he had to admit this was sort of refreshing. Still, he sighed, he hadn’t come out here to get worked up again, “You don’t have to agree with me, and most would side with you. As much as I’d like to see a world where Omegas aren’t defined by their traditional roles in society though I know that isn’t possible in my lifetime.”
“I guess.” Allen stood up, having the decency to at least bow to him. “I feel like this would be the point where I apologize, but I don’t feel particularly sorry for offending you, Your Majesty.”
Scott couldn’t help but laugh at that, even if Allen was a bigot. “I guess I’ll let it slide, if only because I find it slightly amusing. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Mr. Perez. I wish to be alone now.”
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