“Ouch!” The child quivered, biting his lip. The blade tipped with his blood was smoothly dipped into the stone basin just a few feet away. 

Though he’d put on a brave face, he had secretly been very scared of this process. He was relieved to find that just one finger was barely pricked for the blood needed for the ritual.

The crystal orbs on either side of the basin shone a soft green. Aushen stole a glance at the priest’s face- the momentary look of disappointment revealed the answer Aushen had expected. His attendant smiled brightly, patting him on the back. “You’re a beta, just like your grandfather, and many others of the great kings before him!” Even as a child, Aushen could fill in the blanks of that sentence: ‘You’re not a strong, powerful alpha. You’re not a long-lived, charismatic omega. You’re just a plain beta.’

-

[the fifth day of the month of Pediades, year 468 CE]

Aushen rubbed his eyes, blinking in the daylight. “Your Highness, His Majesty the King has called for your presence once you’ve dressed and taken breakfast.” His attendant, a young man named Olef, stood in a partial bow. Once he looked up to see Aushen upright in bed, he moved to prepare his clothes.

Aushen sighed as he stood and walked to the dressing area. “Marriage again, I presume.” 

Olef chuckled nervously; he couldn’t really say much- siding with the prince would mean going against the king, and vice versa. Aushen glanced up at Olef’s nervous face in the mirror as he held an embroidered tunic up for Aushen to wear. He deduced his predicament and sighed again. “It’s not like I don’t understand why he’s doing this.” 

‘It’s just…’

He remembered the days spent pouring over his studies. His life had been set around his future role as king, which he’d always taken as an honor. However, the moment that put a thick crack in his ideal life occurred three years ago: when the Altar affirmed that he was, indeed, a beta. In the face of the brilliance of his younger siblings (all alphas), he felt entirely inadequate. It was hard to take a step towards kingship when he felt that there were four better options. 

Following Olef, Aushen headed towards his private dining area. He reached for a piece of fresh fruit and chewed slowly. A pair of heather-gray eyes haunted his thoughts for a moment.

Aushen shook his head, as if to shake the thought from his mind. Some part of his heart wanted to explore the ‘what ifs’… “What if I’d been born an alpha, and he an omega? What if he was a woman?”

But it would do no good to delve into what-ifs when reality stood so staunchly before him.

After picking at breakfast, Aushen rose slowly from the table. ‘Now’s as good a time as ever, I suppose,’ he told himself. “Please inform His Majesty that I’ll be there presently.” Olef bowed in response, leaving the room. 

After allowing himself a few moments to collect his thoughts, Aushen headed towards the audience room. The heralds announced his entry as they threw open the grand doors. A hush fell over the large, open room. Lining either side were a mix of advisors and high courtiers. ‘He’s serious this time,’ Aushen noted.

After slowly approaching the throne, Aushen came to a halt, kneeling before his father the king. To his father’s right side sat his mother, the very image of angelic decorum. 

They were truly a picturesque pair; exactly what one would expect when thinking of an ideal king and queen. They studied their eldest son before them in a gentle but serious gaze. 

“I, Crown Prince Aushen, greet His Majesty the King, and Her Majesty the Queen,” he declared. 

A soft nod from his father indicated he should rise from his kneeling position. “Aushen, my son,” the king began. “As you well know, marriage is of vital importance for your position as crown prince.” 

Aushen gulped quietly. He knew this time was coming- despite just being nineteen, some would already consider him as being late to get engaged. 

The king continued. “I was truly blessed in my marital union- I was able to marry for both love and my position.” He grasped the queen’s hand as he spoke. “I wish the same for you, if possible.” Pausing, he reached his hand out to the side and was handed dozens of envelopes. “I have here many requests from those who wish to join their households with ours via marriage. I’d like for you to look through these letters and perhaps exchange some correspondence to get to know some of these fine young ladies.” 

Before Aushen could respond, he heard quiet footsteps approaching. “Ahem.” From behind him came a small but brazen voice. Someone approaching the throne in the midst of a Royal audience would normally be akin to a serious crime- unless the perpetrator was–

“Odessa!” The king feigned a scowl, but Aushen could tell a smile was hidden in his eyes. Not a single member of the royal court was surprised by the princess’s appearance, or the gentleness which the king met her with. The girl was known for acting on a whim– and the king was known to meet those whims. “My dear, we’re in the middle of discussing some very serious matters in regards to both your brother, and the kingdom. I’m afraid whatever it is you have to say will need to wait.”

Odessa tossed her blonde hair behind her and dipped into a respectful curtsy. “Esteemed father, I actually have a request pertaining to this very thing.”