He shook his head and sighed. “Why are you here?”

“Because I need an alpha.” said the king easily.

“That's – no.” He bit his tongue to stop himself from lecturing. “You're here, here to see an alpha. And I am not an alpha.”

“You smell like one. You can't lie to me.” The king frowned at him, irritated.

“No.” He shook his head. “I spent my whole childhood refusing to be one, and I grew up not being one.” He pointed to his books. “I am fine. I am happy. I read and go on adventures this way. I take care of plants,” he waved to the door with the light, “and nurture them. I cannot get what I need from you. I'd be starved of it. And your lifestyle would just suffocate me.”

“I don't understand.” The king shook his head.

“I'd be a plant devoid of sunlight, my King. I would literally suffocate and wither and die.” He raised his voice. “I cannot get what I need from you, my King. I cannot. Nor... Nor can I give you anything you need.”

“I disagree. You are an alpha.”

He bit his lower lip. Then he lowered his head. How can I tell him? His eyes scanned his books, looking for ideas. Then a stupid one came to him. He lifted his eyes up to look at the king. “I don't have a list, but just off the top of my head, I'd need your name.”

“Oh. Well that's easy. My name is---”

He waved his hands up and pointed at the king like he was scolding a child. “Not your public name! Your private name.” He dropped his arms to his side, and his shoulders slumped. The king's posture became straighter as he seemed to stiffen up at that suggestion. “My King... I... I have nothing to offer you, and you cannot give me what I need. This...” He steeled himself. “This negotiation is... We are at a stalemate. And we've just... It's died.”

He turned and stepped to the front door, pulling it open. “Now. Thank you for the flowers. I will do my very best at keeping them watered before they die. And... I wish you luck on finding the alpha you need.”

Confused, and shocked, it sunk in. The king was being refused. He stood up slowly, and went to the door. He glanced down at the young man once before stepping outside.

“I hope you travel safely. My King.” He nodded, tense and nervous, then shut the door. His mouth gaped open in shock as he turned the lock and fell to his knees. His hands felt cold and numb.

One of the knights stepped up to the king's side. “Are you unharmed?”

“Well. That was unexpected.” He once more mumbled to himself, thoroughly confused. “Yes...” He nodded to the two knights. “You may escort me back.”