Breathless and exhausted, Akemi couldn’t help but lean on the wall for support as he continued to take deep breaths. The taste of the pungent salty sea air on his lips. With nowhere to go and hide, the fear of getting caught plagues his mind. Lower abdomen in pain akin to a jab by a knife, he knew it wouldn’t be long before his heat came knocking on his door. A few more moments and it’ll come without hesitation. In addition to his wounds, Akemi was in no condition to keep on running. Not when the bandages on his arm needed to be changed. His throat is slightly parched for water. His legs needed rest.

“Find him! He could be anywhere!”

“The king ordered us to find him, we mustn’t fail.”

The king? What king? They crowned a new king while I was away?

With a tight grip on the three silver coins he had, Akemi just had to accept the fact that he wouldn’t be returning to the capital sooner than he had hoped. Sluggishly tiptoeing to a wooden building that appeared to be an inn, he winced when someone bumped into his injured arm. Merry laughter and the smell of booze reeked the lobby which also served as the bar and entertainment room. Despite how early it was, intoxicated individuals sat on wooden chairs, chatting aimlessly away. Akemi couldn’t help but marvel at how carefree they are.

“Good day, Sir. How may I help you? Are you looking for a room to stay in?” Akemi glanced in the direction of where the voice came from. Eyeing the keys in his hand, he must be the innkeeper. “You must have traveled a long way, have you?”

“How much is it? To stay in a room?”

“Well, that depends on whether you’re an alpha or an omega. You know the rules…” he cleared his throat. “We have separate floors for both—unless you’re a beta, of course, it won’t matter.”

“I’m… an omega—”

“Then that’ll be two silver coins, please.” Not giving him a moment to reply or retaliate, the innkeeper grabbed him by the shoulder and led him to a flight of stairs. “You wouldn’t have to worry about breakfast, we usually serve them for free unless it’s almost time for lunch. A lot of morons try to clock in just before lunch and that won’t do. If you’re gonna eat breakfast, you have to eat it during breakfast hours, do you know what I’m saying?”

Akemi wasn’t listening, no, he was too busy observing the rooms on the second floor that were reeking of dominant pheromones that belonged to the alpha guests. Upon reaching the last floor, he raised an eyebrow when they were greeted with a huge wooden door instead of a hallway. The innkeeper chuckled sheepishly as he opened the door.

“Sorry, ‘bout that. We had trouble the last time you saw us. An alpha wasted beyond his years began clawing up one of the guests’ doors so we had to do these types of measures.”

“Oh…”

Walking up to the last room, the innkeeper pushed the door open after inserting the keys. “Well, what do you think? The bed’s clean, and the bathroom too! You wouldn’t find any other inn that is as clean as this… well, not that there is any other inn in this place. Will you be staying, Sir?”

Akemi nodded. If he had to choose between staying out in the streets or spending time lying in a comfortable bed during his heat, he would take the latter. “This will do. Here’s the money.”

“Thank you, good Sir!”

“And… if it’s not troublesome, can I have someone send my lunch up here?”

“No problem! I’ll have my husband come up here. He usually cooks in the kitchen, but it won’t be any trouble. Hikaru will be with you in a few hours to deliver it, so just pay once he gets here, okay?” And with that said, the innkeeper gave him the key and walked out of the room. Finally, alone, Akemi removed the cloth around him and sat down at the edge of the mattress.

Countless thoughts and questions circled his mind as he removed his filthy clothes. It was like peeling off yesterday’s pain. The bandages that the old man did were now dirty and had to be changed unless the wounds would fester and get infected.

“Must take a bath—ah!” Hissing, Akemi doubled back in pain. Hand on his abdomen, he couldn’t stop the tears from rolling down his eyes. This time of the month was the lowest of the low for an omega. Vulnerable to anyone who might take advantage of him in this state.

He didn’t like it one bit.

❘༻᯽༺❘

Seagulls causing another racket outside didn’t quell the burning sensation that enveloped his whole body as he lay on the bed. Covered with sweat from the head and down to his legs, Akemi closed his eyes with a soft sob. A sob that wasn’t in pain nor sorrow, but in want. A powerful desire to be taken and taken hard.

I need…

He must have missed the sound of knocking because when he turned to the side, his eyes widened by a fraction in surprise to see a pretty-looking man enter the room. Akemi could only stare blankly, watching the person enter with a tray in his hands.

Help…

“Sir? Hold on, are you going into heat?” Alarmed, the person set his meal aside and approached in a hurry. The stranger bent down, concerned. “And it seems strong too. You’re in no state to eat… wait, I’ll go get some…”

Akemi watched in silence as his lips moved but no words came out of them. The overpowering feeling caused his senses to go bleak other than the sense of touch. Anyone would do, anyone who is willing to fill his needs at the moment. Despite it being second to nature to have heats, he felt disgusting.

Don’t come near me!

The images before his eyes started to blur into nothingness. Akemi didn’t even know what occurred next until he shot up from the bed. He immediately regretted doing so, holding his head due to the dizziness. A chuckle startled him, directing his attention to the other living being in the room.

“Don’t be up in such a hurry. You’ll hurt yourself.”

“Who are you? What are you doing in my room?”

“Oh, sorry… I’m Hikaru, the innkeeper is my husband.” He bowed slightly, then gestured to a tray with what seemed to be a warm meal. “I was delivering your lunch when I found you about to go into heat. You have nothing to worry about, I gave you medicine last night so your heat won’t come back until its effect wears off…”

A day has already passed…

“I… was out that long? I apologize for imposing this on you...” Akemi glanced down to see he was out of the filthy tattered white suit and now donned a simple red tunic and wool stockings. Sensing his bewilderment, the other omega pointed to the corner of the room.

“Your clothes are there. It’s all torn and dirty, but it’s a waste to throw it away with its gold embroidery and lace. I’ll go and wash it today—”

“No, no… I don’t need it anymore.” Holding on to it would merely give him nightmares, so it was for the best to throw it away. “I suggest you give it to someone else or… be willing to buy it.”

Hikaru’s eyebrows were raised. “If that’s what you wish. I do apologize for the tunic; it is indeed old. However, when I was finished bathing you, I was flabbergasted to see you didn’t bring any clothes with you. Usually, a noble like you have cases—”

“What makes you believe I’m a noble?”

“Judging by the intricate design of the embroidery of your suit, and how it’s gold, then yes. I do think you’re someone of nobility.” Hikaru laughed. “A runaway noble, perhaps? Do you have a lover waiting for you?”

The only thing that’s waiting for me is death.

“No.”

“Oh, that’s too bad. Here I was certain you were running away from an arranged marriage.”

Well, that is true somehow.

Taking his suit, Akemi grabbed the worn-out cloth given to him by the old man, put on his shoes, and faced Hikaru. “I’ll go and find someone willing to buy this. I’m sure the gold thread is valuable. With that money, I’ll pay for the food and your patronage.”

“You don’t have to—”

“From one omega to another, this is all I can do to repay you for now. Don’t worry, I won’t run from you. You have my word as a noble.”

And off Akemi went. He didn’t know where to go other than the market. There was bound to be someone who would buy the suit, especially when it was tailored and worn by a prince.

He has to hurry, though. Those knights that came by yesterday may still be around looking for him. The sword he sold yesterday was a telltale sign that his presence was indeed in West Siera. They won’t stop until they scouted the whole area with a thin comb, finding every bit of information about his whereabouts. And, his heat may come back in full swing at any given time.

“Pardon me, but could you please tell me where I could sell this piece of clothing?”

The man he questioned stared at the suit before pointing down another pathway to the left. “I’d go there and see if I could trade it for something. If it’s genuine gold, I’m sure they would be interested.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

Upon reaching the stalls and tents that were bustling with merchants and the common folk, a bell ringing endlessly captured their attention and made them all fall silent. Akemi, too, was curious as a stout man rang the bell. It was an important message from the palace.

“Everyone! A new message from the new king! King Kosuke has a new message!”

King Kosuke? Who is that? I haven’t heard of any duke or anyone who bears that name in court. A poor soul made into a puppet by the nobles? Or is he the leader of the rebels?

Suddenly, the familiar sound of hooves grew nearer. Hiding behind the crowd, Akemi hid his face before walking away. Not risking anything, he turned to the farthest tent and presented the suit to the merchant. “Is there anything I could trade for this? The gold thread is genuine, and the lace is most likely from the country Ondine.”

The merchant hummed, “This is very fine indeed. It may not be made of silk, but it is still beautiful. Yes, the royal family often wears a suit like this at a wedding. Are you sure you want to give this away? It may be tattered, but it could still be mended.”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Okay, let me go check and see if the thread is real gold, then I can give you the money.” As the merchant went to the back, Akemi’s ears picked up two women gossiping at the other stall. They were huddled together, whispering and shaking their heads. Approaching them wasn’t easy, especially with the sharp look they shot him when he tapped one of their shoulders.

“Yes? What is it?”

“Um, may I ask… when did King Kosuke become king? Did the palace give any word?”

They both shared looks before giggling. “I’m sure an omega is very interested in joining his harem, but sadly, he isn’t an alpha.”

What?

“H-he isn’t?” Shock etched on his face; Akemi couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “But there’s a law!”

“Yes, yes. Unusually, they agreed to crown a beta, but I think the court wanted to abolish that law. It would be very unfair if only an alpha gets to rule when most of the people here are betas. How prideful of them! As a beta, I am very happy they decided to crown him. It’s a new era!”

“However, I do feel bad for King Reijiro’s daughter. The pitiful thing…”

“Hanako?” At the mention of his beloved sister, Akemi grabbed the woman by her arm, receiving a glare. “What happened to her? Is she in the palace?”

“Go away, you whore! If you think you could just grab me like that—this is why you omegas should rot in hell! Stealing other people’s husbands and wives. You’re all cursed by the devil to seduce danger and bad luck!”

Pushed harshly to the side, mud stained his hands and the tunic. Akemi could hear laughter and snickers, all directed at him. Holding back a sigh, he tried to wipe the mud off his hands, only to fail miserably. He had to get up and pay no heed to the domineering eyes stabbing him in the back.

“Are you all right?”

A hand crossed his line of view, prompting him to take it. The person’s hand was cold, similar to touching the first snow that blanketed the palace grounds. Seeing his muddy hand stain the palm of the kind individual, he looked up to apologize to those who decided to help his pathetic self. Instantly, his instincts kicked in and Akemi coiled away at the sight of an alpha looming above him. His left golden eye had a scar across it, a color paler than the right. Slicked back jet-black hair darker than the midnight fur coat he wore. Everything about this man screamed authority and power. Akemi was frozen on the spot, scared that he might pounce.

“Stay awa—”

“Count Rowan!” Seeing another man running up to them, the alpha turned to the newcomer. “My lord, I just found an in—what’s the matter? Did something happen?”

A count? Slightly shaking at the notion of getting recognized, Akemi had no choice but to get up and run for his life.