Azra hurried after Varyx’s heavy strides, pulling his cloak tighter around his shoulders as he shivered. Though no one had offered to take it from him, he was glad, for the castle felt cold and lofty- a draft coming off of all the mountain stone. While they walked through new and far grander corridors, Azra had lost the will to stare around him in awe; his once bright gaze had fallen to his feet as he traipsed behind Varyx. 

When the silence became suffocating, Azra finally looked up at Varyx and whispered, “Your valet, Mero…he had me take the servant’s passageways.” 

Varyx stiffened beside him, his dark green eyes flashing to Azra’s face in irritation. Azra wasn’t sure if it was because he had spoken or if it were the word’s he’d said, but Varyx’s voice was full of tension as he answered through gritted teeth, “You’re to use the passageways when you are not accompanied by me. Not many of the staff know what you are…or that you are here. And we need to keep it that way.”

Scoffing under his breath, Azra couldn’t help but mutter, “Surely word will get out once you’ve married me-”

“Yes,” Varyx snapped, his scent intensifying as his aggression rose, “but not until then. Not until you belong to me. Then no one else can take you.”

Anger twisted through Azra’s very being, his hair darkening to black. The words that slipped from Varyx’s lips sent a chill down his spine. Belong to him? Clenching his jaw, Azra’s face fell into worry, realizing what Varyx meant. It wasn’t just the marriage Varyx was referring to- the alpha prince meant to mark him, claim him… Azra touched the tight collar at his throat. The image of Varyx sinking his teeth into the back of Azra’s neck was far from pleasant. And it was true… Once Varyx mated with Azra wholly and completely, no other alpha would be able to touch him. 

With a tight chest and heavy heart, Azra found his voice once more as he inquired softly, “When?” His gentle hand clutched the bannister, descending down the opulent staircase. Varyx was right, the castle was empty, and a servant would likely think nothing of his presence around Varyx- whose scent was overpowering enough to cover Azra’s own. Azra could be anyone, any guest, but alone… 

Alone he’d easily be vulnerable. 

Though Azra expected Varyx to take him back out of the main entrance where the guards had been standing, he instead moved to a somewhat concealed corridor that led towards the rear of the castle. Varyx huffed as he answered Azra’s question, saying, “Our marriage will likely take place in a few months time-”

“Months?!” Azra gasped, his voice raising slightly. It echoed off the tight hallway, his own sharp tone making him flinch. 

Practically snarling, Varyx stopped mid stride, stepping in front of Azra to stop him. His face was shrouded in shadows, dark eyes gleaming as he said with a kind of cruelty in his voice, “You’re right, perhaps it’s too long a wait. I could mark you now if you prefer?” 

Azra’s hair blanched, turning white as he felt his stomach drop. In the shadows with the light on Varyx’s back, he looked savage like a beast. Azra’s mouth was dry as he swallowed, frozen in the presence of the other prince. 

Sighing, Varyx’s posture became less menacing as he brushed back his golden hair, saying with a haughty huff of breath, “I didn't think so.” He paused, scanning Azra’s hair as his brows pinched slightly. “Don't worry,” he murmured, looking away, “my family prides themselves on tradition. Nothing will happen until we’re properly married. You have my word.”

Swallowing down his fear, Azra straightened, trying to come off as collected as he asked for reassurance, “If you plan to wait months, why bring me here now?” Though Azra was shocked at how long he would have to prepare for the wedding, in a way he was relieved. Months meant that he had time to come to terms with his inevitable match, or better still, to make Varyx change his mind. 

“Why do you think?” Varyx sucked in a breath, stating coolly, “Your presence as an omega has been made clear in Solvale- you were no longer safe staying there. My father worked quickly to secure you. Here, at least you’ll be in our care and protection.” He chewed at his lower lip for a moment, deep in thought before saying earnestly, “I agree, it’s not ideal, but we have little choice. War is on the horizon. My time is unfortunately spent toward preparing our army in case of attack, and with tensions running high at the borders… Well, it’s safe to say a wedding at this time would not go over well with our people.”

Azra’s gaze flashed towards Varyx, unamused as he snapped, “Your people.”

Varyx smirked, though there was no laughter in his hard, shining eyes. “Your people, too, soon enough. You might as well start getting used to the idea- and learning our customs and traditions. It will do you well to spend your time here not only under my protection, but learning what you can about Privillion." His tone was harsh as he seethed, begrudgingly, "You will be ruling it at my side one day.”

Tearing his gaze away, Azra followed Varyx as they neared the end of the hall where a large stone arch surrounded a battered, thick, wood door. “We’ll see,” Azra seethed, his hands in fists once more. 

Varyx pulled a dark cloak off a hook beside the door, wrapping it around his broad shoulders. He sucked in a heavy breath as he shoved past Azra to grip the door’s handle. “I suppose we will. Now, if you’ve quite finished fighting me on nearly every point,” his fury was barely controlled as his voice raised and reluctantly softened once more, “let me introduce you to your new guard.”