One of the Queen’s bodyguards offered to guide Veo down the steps when they arrived, but he waved him off. He climbed stairs perfectly fine. What he couldn’t do, however, was read anything flat. 

“Welcome home, dear,” said his mother when he came close enough on the tarmac. He leaned down and accepted a hug and her air kisses. Her silhouette was surrounded by a backlight of pale pink delight.

“Hi, mum,” he replied. “Thanks for picking me up.”

“Of course,” she smiled. “You haven’t been home in years,” she said, the pink flickering yellow before smoothing back into its previous pastel. 

They got into the waiting car.

~

Veo couldn’t begrudge his mother for wanting to take the scenic route. He had no doubt that Angkova was truly beautiful even though he couldn’t see what she saw. To him, the lush verdant evergreen forests were a vibrant pulsing kaleidoscope of pale blues. Occasionally, he would see flashes of red or golds amongst the silhouettes of the trees. They represented the fauna living amongst the florae.

The path that they drove was isolated and undisturbed and Veo very much relished it. He should find time to visit the forest when he had time off from his duties.

As the vehicle cruised, Veo turned to his mother. “I know you wanted me there for your birthday party, but surely calling me back so soon was unnecessary,” he said. “Your birthday is next month.”

His mother nodded. “It’s my Diamond Jubilee Ball, dear. I only turn sixty once.”

Veo snorted indelicately. “You only turn sixty-one once. And sixty-two, sixty-three and so on.”

“Don’t be impertinent, Veo. I like having reasons to celebrate even if you don’t.”

“Sorry,” he said at his mother’s chastisement. 

“I intend to have a month-long celebration starting next week,” she informed him. 

He choked on his saliva, turning an unattractive shade of red.

“And I called the police station you like to visit. They know not to expect you for the next two months.”

“You called the precinct?” he demanded incredulously. “And who on earth is going to party for a whole month? Which of your friends have that kind of stamina anymore?” 

“Really, Veo. Must you be so rude?” she clicked her tongue in annoyance. “You’ll understand when we get back.”

“Fine, but you are calling the precinct and telling them that I’m only taking one month off. No more than that, Mother.” He huffed in exasperation. “You need to stop meddling with my life.”

~

Despite his mother’s warning, Veo was instantly overwhelmed when they arrived at the palace. As soon as she stepped from the vehicle, a portly man with magnificent shoes came up to her. 

“Your majesty, it is a disaster! I cannot work like this!” he declared wholeheartedly.

The Queen, on her part, did no such thing as panic. “Calm down, Monsieur Rapoit. Have you met my son?” she introduced Veo. 

Prince Veo’s hand was seized upon by the flustered artist. “It is good to meet you, Your Highness. You’ve not been home for a very long time, but you are back now. That is most important, yes. And very handsome as always.”

Veo inclined his head in an amused nod. His eyes were wide behind his shades as he took in the sight of so many people painting and fixing up banners and rushing around with floral arrangements. This was far too extravagant for a simple celebration. What scheme had mother cooked up this time? 

Fortunately, he had worn his gloves before anyone could touch his hands, or the man’s intense emotions and intentions would have assaulted his already reeling mind.

“Mother, what is all this?” he asked. “How many people are you expecting?”

But the Queen had disappeared along with the excitable artist and he was left standing by the car. Cameron, their butler showed up to take his one bag.

“Prince Veo, welcome home.”

“Cameron,” he greeted a little desperately. “You must tell me what she plans to do. I cannot place such blind faith in her diabolical machinations.”

“Her Majesty is simply excited to welcome you home, Your Highness.” Cameron’s aura flickered in shades of grey. Veo was hard-pressed to tell whether Cameron was lying to him, but the man was always some shade of grey, so he gave up. Mother’s plan always had a way of sweeping him up in their chaotic currents no matter how he tried to get out of them. 

He let Cameron lead him back to his chambers. The Prince made sure to use his cane as he made his way to his private quarters. There were only three people who knew that he didn’t quite need a walking aid. His parents, one of whom had passed away ten years ago, and the other was his old paediatrician. He intended to keep that information private.

~

It was much later during dinner, where Mother had demanded his presence, that Veo dared venture from his privacy. Thankfully, all the workers and servants had stopped cleaning and decorating for the day, leaving the corridors far emptier than he had endured earlier. 

And it was at that very dinner that he discovered the truth of her month-long birthday party. 

“Why are you doing this, Mum? And be honest with me,” he added. “I’m already here, so just tell me what you’re planning. You have to admit that a week of festivities is bound to be exhausting, let alone a whole month.” He gulped down half his virgin mojito. “I’m only close to thirty, but even I can see that’s madness.”

The Queen rolled her eyes at the unnecessary dramatics. “Exactly,” she said. “If the vitality of your youth is leaving you so quickly, it is only necessary to ensure that you pass on the family name before it is too late.”

There was stony silence in the room. “You brought me here for a matchmaking session?” he thundered. The silverware clinked dangerously when he slammed a fist on the table.

“No, sit down, Veo.” He sat furiously. “I brought you here to celebrate my sixtieth birthday because you won’t even come home on my other birthdays. And this year, I happen to be inviting all the eligible omegas to attend.” 

“Mum!” he exclaimed. “You can’t just invite omegas and parade them in front of me like some marketplace! What era do you live in? Jesus Christ, Mother!” Veo paced behind his chair restlessly. “And what if I told you that I like alphas? What would you do? You can’t just assume these things!”

“Do you like alphas?” she asked calmly. 

“No, that’s not the point!” he yelled. “It doesn’t matter who I like because it won’t be one of those silly, shallow omegas you only seem to know!”

“You’re being awfully judgemental for someone who has never met them.”

I groaned frustratedly. “I can’t talk to you about this. And you can’t make me fall in love with anyone. Especially not when I can read their intentions, Mother.” 

Veo slammed the door on his way out. He was too vexed to use the stupid cane that he didn’t need, and it dragged along in a farce of usage. 

Though he entertained thoughts of escape for a moment, he knew ultimately that it would be useless. Angkova was an island with only two ways of getting in or out. His choices were limited to leaving by air or sea. But the Queen, she would have her people keep an eye out for him at the airport and at the docks. The continent was too far away for a swim. He’d only succeed in drowning.

That’s what he’d been reduced to. Death or speed dating. The Prince seethed as he stalked back to his quarters. He resolved to hide in his room all week and avoid meeting any of the omegas that began to show up one by one as the “party” drew closer like an anvil above his neck.